Texas Small Claims Guide
This page is here to help you decide whether you are actually ready to file, not to push you into filing too early.
For Texas in particular, make sure the basics are locked down first: surrender date, forwarding-address proof, itemization issue, and the amount still owed.
Before court, make sure you have these facts straight
- when you surrendered the premises
- whether your forwarding address was given in writing
- whether the landlord sent any refund or written itemized deductions within 30 days
- what amount is still being withheld
- what documents prove your position
The practical pre-filing checklist
- gather the lease and proof of the deposit amount
- organize move-in and move-out photos
- save every letter, email, text, and mailing receipt
- keep the written forwarding-address notice and proof of delivery
- keep any deduction statement, refund check, or envelope
Why the written notice sequence still matters
Even if you think court may be next, the written notice sequence still helps.
It shows the timeline, gives the landlord a fair chance to fix the problem, and leaves you with a cleaner record if filing becomes necessary.
That is one reason the Texas system uses four steps instead of one.
Related Texas pages
Next step
If you still need the letters and timing laid out clearly before filing, start here:
Get the Texas Deposit Recovery System
Important
This page provides general information and not legal advice.