What should I do in Texas if "security deposit bad faith penalties"?

Use this path when withholding appears intentional, reckless, or unsupported by evidence and statute. Start with a timeline and written demand that cites state law.

What is the Texas deadline for deposit return?

30 days after tenant surrenders AND provides written forwarding address (30 days).

What penalties can apply in Texas?

$100 + 3x amount wrongfully withheld + attorney fees.

Texas: Evidence of landlord bad faith

Use this path when withholding appears intentional, reckless, or unsupported by evidence and statute.

Reviewed: 2026-03-03

Reviewer: ReclaimDeposit legal research team

Deadline context

30 days

Penalty context

$100 + 3x damages

Statute

Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103-92.109

Action checklist

Document violations and timeline in one chronology.
Identify patterns: inflated charges, no proof, repeated noncompliance.
Cite state bad-faith or forfeiture provisions.
Quantify enhanced penalty exposure for settlement leverage.

Take the next step

Turn this scenario into a documented claim and enforceable timeline.

Calculate deadline State demand template Small claims guide