Texas Security Deposit Laws
Texas has no cap on security deposits.
Key Rules
- Limit
- No statutory maximum
- Return Deadline
- 30 days after tenant surrenders possession
- Itemization Required
- Yes — written itemized description of deductions required
- Interest Required
- No
- Bad Faith Penalty
- $100 plus 3 times the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Security deposit defined: money deposited to secure performance of tenant's obligations. No statutory cap on the amount.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Return of security deposit: landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after surrender of possession. If deductions are made, an itemized written description of deductions must accompany the remainder of the deposit.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Liability of landlord for bad-faith failure to return: landlord who retains deposit in bad faith is liable for $100 plus three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.