How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?

In Texas, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 30 days of move-out.

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in Texas?

Small claims court in Texas handles disputes up to $20,000 (justice court).

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Texas security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

30 days

Small claims limit

$20,000 (justice court)

What you need to know

• Deposit due back within 30 days of move-out; itemized deductions required.
• You must provide a forwarding address in writing — the 30-day clock effectively starts there.
• Bad-faith withholding costs the landlord $100 + triple the amount withheld + attorney’s fees.
• Justice court (small claims) handles disputes up to $20,000 — no lawyer needed.

Itemization: Itemized list of deductions required (unless rent is owed and undisputed). You must give a forwarding address.

Interest: No interest required.

Deposit cap: No statutory cap.

If they wrongfully withhold: Bad faith: $100 + 3x the amount wrongfully withheld + attorney’s fees.

Statute: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.101–.110

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: Texas landlords must act within 30 days of move-out.

⚖️ Your leverage: wrongful withholding could cost your landlord up to $4,500 (Bad faith: $100 + 3x the amount wrongfully withheld + attorney’s fees.)

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in Texas handles up to $20,000 (justice court) — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

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⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

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DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.