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Texas Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 30 days after move-out (forwarding address required) |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | No cap |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | $100 plus 3x amount withheld and fees, for bad faith |
| Statute | Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 |
Texas deadline calculator
Room-by-room condition report: 12 rooms, 99 items, move-in and move-out columns, signature lines, and tips that win deposit disputes. Works for Texas rentals. PDF, 5 pages, no sign-up.
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What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103, a Texas landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. Details: 30 days after move-out (forwarding address required).
What is the maximum security deposit in Texas?
Texas law sets no maximum security deposit.
What happens if a Texas landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Texas: $100 plus 3x amount withheld and fees, for bad faith. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.