Texas Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Tex. Prop. Code §92.103 to 92.109 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after tenant move-out.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning, and delinquent charges under the lease. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration that results from the intended use of the dwelling, including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to up to three times the deposit wrongfully withheld plus $100 statutory penalty and attorney fees under Tex. Prop. Code §92.109.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: No statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $20,000
Additional Protections
- Tenant must provide forwarding address in writing for refund to be sent
- Landlord has 30 days after receiving forwarding address
- Treble damages, $100 penalty, and attorney fees for bad faith withholding
What Your Texas Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Texas's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
Tex. Prop. Code §92.103 to 92.109 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Texas law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration that results from the intended use of the dwelling, including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteri...
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Texas Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Texas?
Under Tex. Prop. Code §92.103 to 92.109, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after tenant move-out. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Texas landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Texas, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning, and delinquent charges under the lease. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Texas?
In Texas: Deterioration that results from the intended use of the dwelling, including breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Texas landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to up to three times the deposit wrongfully withheld plus $100 statutory penalty and attorney fees under Tex. Prop. Code §92.109. You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Texas?
Yes. Texas small claims court handles cases up to $20,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Texas?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Texas-specific dispute letter citing Tex. Prop. Code §92.103 to 92.109 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.