Texas Security Deposit Law Explained
The main Texas security deposit issues are the 30-day timeline, the written forwarding-address rule, written itemization of deductions, and whether the landlord withheld money in bad faith.
The basic structure
Texas generally requires the landlord to refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises.
If the landlord keeps part of the deposit, the landlord generally must provide a written description and itemized list of deductions.
A Texas detail renters should not miss
Texas ties the landlord's obligation to the tenant giving a written forwarding address.
That means the forwarding-address question is not a side detail. It is often central to whether the timeline argument is ready.
Deductions still have limits
Texas allows deductions for damages and charges allowed by law and the lease, but not for ordinary wear and tear.
If deductions were taken, review the written itemization closely and compare it to your photos, lease, and move-out records.
Bad faith should be handled carefully
Texas does provide a bad-faith remedy, including statutory damages and attorney's fees in the right case.
But that is not the same as saying every late refund automatically produces the maximum remedy. The safer approach is to keep the facts, timeline, and written notices clear.
Texas process pages
Statutes and sources
For the statutory sections and official source links, use the companion page: Texas security deposit law statutes and sources
The four-step shortcut if you want the Texas letters and timing already organized.
Get the Deposit Recovery SystemImportant: This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.