Texas Security Deposit Deadlines
What the Law Requires After You Move Out
Texas law gives landlords a short window to return your deposit or explain deductions. If they miss it, you may have leverage to recover your money.
Used by renters across Texas · Secure checkout · Not legal advice
In Texas, Speed Matters
Texas gives landlords less time than many states to act after move out.
If a landlord:
- Misses the deadline
- Sends notice late
- Fails to properly itemize deductions
They may be acting outside Texas law.
Many Texas disputes turn on whether the landlord acted on time, not whether damage existed.
Texas Security Deposit Deadlines Explained
After you move out and provide a forwarding address:
Texas Deadline
There is no separate grace period for 'no deductions' versus 'with deductions' in Texas. Thirty days is the deadline.
Texas security deposits are governed by Texas Property Code §92.103–§92.109.
This Is Where Many Landlords Slip Up
In Texas, a valid deduction notice must:
- Be in writing
- Be sent within 30 days
- Clearly itemize each deduction and amount
- Be delivered to your forwarding address
Common Texas landlord mistakes:
- Missing the 30 day deadline
- Sending vague or lump sum deductions
- Failing to explain charges clearly
- Sending notice without itemization
Improper notice weakens the claim against your deposit.
If the Texas Deadline Was Missed
If the landlord fails to comply:
- You may be entitled to your full deposit
- Texas law allows penalties for bad faith withholding
- Your leverage increases significantly
Many Texas renters recover deposits once deadlines are cited professionally and accurately.
What Works in Practice
Successful Texas disputes usually include:
- Confirming the 30 day deadline
- Organizing move out photos by room and date
- Keeping communications documented
- Sending a clear, professional demand letter
- Escalating only if needed
Emotion does not help. Clear documentation does.
Built for Texas Security Deposit Disputes
DepositReady helps you:
- Calculate your exact Texas deadline
- Understand whether the landlord complied
- Organize evidence properly
- Generate a Texas compliant demand letter
- Create a reusable dispute packet
You see your deadline before paying.
Texas Security Deposit FAQ
Do I need a lawyer in Texas to dispute a deposit?
Often no. Many disputes resolve with proper documentation and notice.
What if I didn't give a forwarding address?
Texas deadlines depend on whether a forwarding address was provided.
Can Texas landlords charge for normal wear and tear?
No. Only actual damages beyond normal wear and tear may be deducted.
Is this legal advice?
No. DepositReady provides documentation tools and state specific information.
Check Your Texas Security Deposit Deadline in 30 Seconds
Know where you stand before taking action. $39 one time · Takes about 10 minutes · Instant download. Typical Texas deposits range from $1,000–$3,000.
DepositReady is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. No outcomes are guaranteed.