Austin Renters
Get Your Security Deposit Back in Austin
Your Austin landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out. Know your rights and hold them accountable.
30
Days to return
$1,800
Avg. rent
1M
Population
Austin Local Info
Like all of Texas, Austin landlords have 30 days to return deposits. The hot rental market means deposit disputes are common — document everything at move-out.
Local Ordinance
Texas Property Code, Subchapter C — Security Deposits
Landlord must return deposit within 30 days of move-out. Must provide written itemized list of deductions. Tenant must provide forwarding address in writing.
Penalties: $100 + 3x the wrongfully withheld amount + reasonable attorney fees for bad faith retention (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Read the full ordinance →Austin Deposit Rules
Interest Required
No
Return Deadline
30 days
Penalty
$100 + 3x the wrongfully withheld amount + reasonable attorney fees for bad faith retention (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Get Your Deposit Back in Austin: Step by Step
Provide a Written Forwarding Address
Texas law requires you to provide your landlord with a forwarding address in writing before the 30-day clock starts.
Wait 30 Days, Then Send a Demand Letter
If 30 days pass without a refund or itemized deductions, send a demand letter citing Texas Property Code § 92.103-92.109. Note the $100 + 3x damages + attorney fees penalty.
Gather Your Evidence
Collect your lease, deposit receipt, move-in/move-out photos, written forwarding address, and all landlord communications.
File in Travis County Justice of the Peace Court
File at a Travis County JP Court. Filing fee is approximately $101. You can recover up to $20,000.
Calculate Your Austin Deadline
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Local Small Claims Court
Court
Travis County Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 1
Address
4717 Heflin Ln, Suite 107, Austin, TX 78721
Filing Fee
$101
Claims Limit
$20,000
Texas Security Deposit Law
Return Deadline
30 days after move-out
Penalty for Late Return
If your landlord acts in bad faith, you can recover $100 plus three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees
Austin Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my Austin landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days from the date you surrender the premises. This is Texas state law (Property Code § 92.103).
Is there a security deposit cap in Austin or Texas?
No. Texas has no statutory limit on security deposit amounts.
What happens if my Austin landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?
You can recover $100 plus three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees.
Does my Austin landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
No. Texas does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
Where do I file a small claims case in Austin?
File at a Travis County Justice of the Peace Court. Precinct 1 is at 4717 Heflin Ln. Filing fee is about $101. Claims up to $20,000.