What is the Texas security deposit return deadline?
30 days after tenant surrenders AND provides written forwarding address (30 days).
Texas Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Quick answer for Texas renters
In Texas, landlords generally must return the deposit or send a lawful itemized statement within 30 days. Penalty exposure can reach $100 + 3x damages.
Deadline
30 days
30 days after tenant surrenders AND provides written forwarding address
Penalty
$100 + 3x damages
$100 + 3x amount wrongfully withheld + attorney fees
What matters most in Texas
This is the fast version of what searchers usually want from this page before they start a letter.
What starts the clock
The deadline usually starts after the tenant gives a written forwarding address, not just when they move out.
What the landlord had to send
If the landlord keeps part of the deposit, they generally need a timely written itemized statement explaining the deductions.
What proof matters most
Photos, move-out condition notes, receipts, and written communications are the core proof if this dispute escalates.
What to do today
First confirm that you gave a written forwarding address. Then calculate the exact Texas deadline before sending a demand.
Keep reading if you're still pressure-testing the case
These links answer the generic searches that usually happen before or after a state-law lookup.
How to get your security deposit back
Step-by-step playbook for deadlines, deductions, and escalation.
Landlord didn't return your deposit
Use this when the deadline already passed and you need the next escalation step.
Do landlords have to provide receipts?
Useful if the dispute turns on missing proof, estimates, or inflated repair bills.
How to write a demand letter
Use this before the state template if you want the anatomy of a strong letter first.
Turn the Texas rules into a finished demand
Once the law looks favorable, carry Texas straight into the short paid path. We'll keep the state prefilled and move you into letter preview, checkout, and delivery options.
Requirements
Move-in checklistNot required
Pre move-out inspectionNot required
Certified mailNot required
Forwarding addressRequired
Notes
- CRITICAL: Tenant MUST provide written forwarding address to trigger 30-day deadline
- Failure to return within 30 days after address provided creates PRESUMPTION of bad faith
- Unique penalty structure: $100 base + 3x wrongfully withheld + attorney fees
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Open each explainer for plain-English context.
Deposit return deadline
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after forwarding address provided
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionItemized deductions
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.104 - Landlord must provide written description of deductions
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionNormal wear and tear
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.104 - Landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionBad faith penalties
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109 - Bad faith retention results in $100 + 3x amount wrongfully withheld + attorney fees
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionStatutory presumptions
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109 - Failure to return/itemize within 30 days creates presumption of bad faith
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionForwarding address requirement
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.107 - Tenant must provide written forwarding address to trigger deadline
Explain this statuteOfficial section
Always verify against official sources.
Common Texas dispute scenarios
Choose the scenario that matches your case to get state-specific next actions.
Landlord missed the deposit deadline
Use this path when your landlord returned the deposit late or failed to send any lawful itemized statement on time.
No itemized deduction statement
Use this path when money was withheld but no legally compliant itemized statement was provided.
Missing receipts or invoices
Use this path when deductions were listed but the landlord did not provide the receipts, invoices, estimates, or labor detail needed to justify the charges.
Charged for normal wear and tear
Use this path when deductions include routine aging, ordinary use, or charges that should have been depreciated.
Evidence of landlord bad faith
Use this path when withholding appears intentional, reckless, or unsupported by evidence and statute.
Ready to send a state-specific demand letter
Use this path when you are ready to turn the timeline, deductions, and state-law rules into a written demand that puts the landlord on notice.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common Texas security deposit questions.
What penalties can apply in Texas?
$100 + 3x amount wrongfully withheld + attorney fees. See Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103-92.109.
What is the small claims limit in Texas?
Justice Court limit: $20,000. Filing fees: $54-$100+.
In Texas, does the deadline start without a forwarding address?
Texas generally requires a written forwarding address to start the 30-day deadline clock.
Next steps
Move directly into the paid path with Texas prefilled, or keep using the free tools to estimate your deadline and map your court path.