What Can a Landlord Deduct in Texas?
Texas generally allows deductions for damages and charges allowed by law and by the lease.
Texas does not treat ordinary wear and tear as a proper security deposit deduction.
What to review first
If money was withheld, look at:
- whether you received a written description and itemized list
- whether the charges match the lease
- whether the claimed work looks like actual tenant-caused damage
- whether the charges instead look like ordinary turnover or normal aging
Common deduction disputes
The usual disagreement is not whether something had to be cleaned or repaired.
It is whether the landlord is charging you for:
- normal use over time
- work that should have been routine turnover
- damage that is not supported by the condition of the unit
That is where photos, receipts, and the written itemization matter.
What helps you challenge deductions
- move-in and move-out photos
- the lease
- written messages about condition or repairs
- a copy of the itemized deduction statement
- proof of the amount originally paid as a deposit
Related Texas pages
Next step
If you want the Texas letters and follow-up sequence already organized:
See the Texas Deposit Recovery System
Important
This page provides general information and not legal advice.