What is the Texas security deposit return deadline?
30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises; the landlord's duty to return is suspended until the tenant gives a 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.
Reviewed: 2026-08-11
How sources are checked →Quick answer for Texas renters
In Texas, landlords generally must return the deposit or send a lawful itemized statement within 30 days. The cited source describes a potential remedy of $100 + 3x wrongfully withheld for bad faith; eligibility depends on the statutory triggers, exceptions, and disputed facts.
Deadline
30 days
30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises; the landlord's duty to return is suspended until the tenant gives a written forwarding address
Potential remedy
$100 + 3x wrongfully withheld for bad faith
$100 plus 3x the portion wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney fees upon a bad-faith finding
What matters most in Texas
Start with the timing rule, required records, useful proof, and the next practical step.
What controls the period
The period is measured from surrender, but the landlord's duty to return the deposit is suspended until the tenant provides a written forwarding address.
What the landlord had to send
If the landlord keeps part of the deposit, check whether the applicable rule requires a timely written itemization 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
Provide a written forwarding address if you have not already. Calculate the Texas period from surrender rather than from the address date.
Explore the issue in more detail
Use these guides to check deadlines, records, deductions, and letter structure against your facts.
How to get your security deposit back
Organize the deadline, deductions, records, written request, and follow-up.
Landlord didn't return your deposit
Check what to document and request after the usual return period.
Do landlords have to provide receipts?
Review missing receipts, estimates, invoices, and repair-cost records.
How to write a demand letter
Review the parts of a clear, factual letter before editing the state template.
State-specific checks
Move-in checklistNo statewide requirement listed
Move-out inspectionNo statewide procedure listed
Mailing ruleNo statewide rule listed
Forwarding addressHas a statutory consequence
Important details
- The 30-day period is measured from surrender, but the return obligation is suspended until the tenant gives a written forwarding address
- Failure to provide the address does not forfeit the tenant's right to a refund or itemization
- Failure to return or itemize on or before the 30th day after surrender can create a rebuttable presumption of bad faith once the duty applies
- Unique penalty structure: $100 base + 3x wrongfully withheld + attorney fees
Citations
Open each cited section for the rule, official source, and context used in this guide.
Deposit return deadline
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 - Landlord must return the deposit on or before the 30th day after surrender, subject to § 92.107
Read section detailsOfficial sectionItemized deductions
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.104 - Landlord must provide written description of deductions
Read section detailsOfficial sectionNormal wear and tear
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.104 - Landlord cannot charge for normal wear and tear
Read section detailsOfficial sectionPotential remedies
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109 - Bad faith retention results in $100 + 3x amount wrongfully withheld + attorney fees
Read section detailsOfficial sectionStatutory presumptions
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109 - Failure to return/itemize within 30 days creates presumption of bad faith
Read section detailsOfficial sectionForwarding address requirement
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.107 - The landlord is not obligated to return the deposit until the tenant gives a written forwarding address; failure to provide one does not forfeit the tenant's right
Read section detailsOfficial section
Check the current official text before relying on a citation.
Common Texas dispute scenarios
Choose a scenario to review state-specific facts, source links, and self-help options.
Landlord missed the deposit deadline
Use this checklist when the dates you entered suggest that the usual return period may have passed.
No itemized deduction statement
Use this checklist when money was withheld and you did not receive an itemized statement.
Missing receipts or invoices
Check listed deductions when the landlord did not provide receipts, invoices, estimates, or labor details for the charges.
Charged for normal wear and tear
Review deductions involving routine aging, ordinary use, old-item replacement, repairability, or betterment.
Facts relevant to a bad-faith review
Use this checklist to organize facts that may be relevant to a bad-faith inquiry without deciding intent.
Before sending a state-specific demand letter
Organize the timeline, disputed amounts, records, and source links for a written request.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common Texas security deposit questions.
What penalties can apply in Texas?
$100 plus 3x the portion wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney fees upon a bad-faith finding. See Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103-92.109.
What is the small claims limit in Texas?
Justice Court: Up to $20,000 in Justice Court, excluding interest. Filing fees: Check current court fee schedule. Verify the court and current limit before filing.
How does a forwarding address affect the Texas deadline?
Texas measures the 30-day period from surrender, but the landlord is not obligated to return the deposit until the tenant gives a written forwarding address. Providing the address does not restart the 30-day period, and failing to provide it does not forfeit the tenant's underlying right.
Next steps
Calculate your dates, review deductions, use the free state template, or create a personalized letter when your records are ready.