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Texas security deposit demand letter

Also: Texas security deposit return deadline (30 days)

DepositLetter is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Letters are templates based on the information you provide. Laws change and local rules may differ; check the official source linked on each state page or talk to a licensed attorney or local tenant organization.

The rule in plain English

The landlord must refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises, with a written itemized list of any deductions. The landlord is not obligated to refund or itemize until the tenant gives a written forwarding address (but the tenant does not forfeit the refund by failing to give one).

Statute: Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.104, 92.107, 92.109

Deadline calculator

Move-out date

Enter a move-out date.

Steps for tenants

Give a written forwarding address (§ 92.107).

Penalty & remedies

A landlord who in bad faith retains a deposit is liable for $100, three times the portion wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees. Failing to refund or itemize within 30 days after surrender is presumed bad faith (§ 92.109).

What to put in your letter

What to put in your Texas demand letter: your forwarding address, move-out date, deposit paid, amount returned, and a short list of disputed charges. Quote Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.104, 92.107, 92.109 and summarize the rule in your own words: The landlord must refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises, with a written … Ask for payment by a specific date and say you will consider small claims court if needed. Mention you are sending the letter certified mail.

Going further

Texas landlords must follow a written process when they keep part of a deposit. The forwarding-address rule matters: while you do not lose your refund entirely by forgetting it, providing a written address removes excuses and starts the 30-day clock clearly. Save your lease, move-out photos, and any text messages about repairs. If you never received an itemized list, say so factually in your demand letter. Texas law also speaks to bad-faith retention; you should not threaten extra damages yourself—just state what you are owed and your deadline to pay. Certified mail creates a paper trail that helps if you later use justice court.

Sources

Last checked: October 20, 2026

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FAQ

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

30 days under Tex. Prop. Code §§ 92.103, 92.104, 92.107, 92.109. The landlord must refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises, with a written itemized list of any deductions. The landlord is not obligated to refund or itemize until the tenant gives a written forwarding address (but the tenant does not forfeit the refund by failing to give one).

What should Texas tenants do before move-out?

Give a written forwarding address (§ 92.107).

Can DepositLetter cite other laws for me?

We only cite the verified statute and rule on this page—not extra penalties unless listed above.

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