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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?
Short answer
At a glance: 30 days
Refund the security deposit, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
Refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises. If you keep any part, send the balance with a written description and itemized list of all deductions. You may not keep any part for normal wear and tear. The clock depends on the tenant giving a written forwarding address.
"the landlord shall refund a security deposit to the tenant on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders the premises." tcss.legis.texas.gov
"the landlord shall give to the tenant the balance of the security deposit, if any, together with a written description and itemized list of all deductions." tcss.legis.texas.gov
"The landlord is not obligated to return a tenant's security deposit or give the tenant a written description of damages and charges until the tenant gives the landlord a written statement of the tenant's forwarding address" tcss.legis.texas.gov
Refund the security deposit, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
Refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises. If you keep any part, send the balance with a written description and itemized list of all deductions. You may not keep any part for normal wear and tear. The clock depends on the tenant giving a written forwarding address.
Applies to: any number of units, when you hold a security deposit · Layer: Texas · Topic: Security deposit return
Who it covers: Counts from the date the tenant surrenders the premises. No itemized list is needed if the tenant owes rent and there is no dispute about the amount.
"the landlord shall refund a security deposit to the tenant on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders the premises." tcss.legis.texas.gov
"the landlord shall give to the tenant the balance of the security deposit, if any, together with a written description and itemized list of all deductions." tcss.legis.texas.gov
"The landlord is not obligated to return a tenant's security deposit or give the tenant a written description of damages and charges until the tenant gives the landlord a written statement of the tenant's forwarding address" tcss.legis.texas.gov
"The landlord may not retain any portion of a security deposit to cover normal wear and tear." tcss.legis.texas.gov
Notes: Tex. Prop. Code 92.103, 92.104, 92.107. A refund or accounting mailed and postmarked by the deadline is presumed on time (92.1041). Bad-faith retention: $100 plus three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees (92.109).
Last verified 2026-10-21 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction