Dallas Renters
Get Your Security Deposit Back in Dallas
Your Dallas landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out. Know your rights and hold them accountable.
30
Days to return
$1,500
Avg. rent
1.3M
Population
Dallas Local Info
Texas allows 30 days for deposit return. Dallas is a landlord-friendly market, making proper move-out documentation especially important.
Local Ordinance
Texas Property Code, Subchapter C — Security Deposits
Landlord must return deposit within 30 days of move-out. Must provide itemized written accounting of all 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 →Dallas 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 Dallas: Step by Step
Provide a Written Forwarding Address
Texas law requires you to give your landlord a written forwarding address. Without it, the 30-day return clock doesn't start.
Wait for the 30-Day Deadline
Your Dallas landlord has 30 days from move-out (after receiving your forwarding address) to return the deposit or send an itemized list.
Send a Demand Letter
Reference Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103-92.109 and the bad faith penalty. Send via certified mail.
File in Dallas County JP Court
File at 600 Commerce St. Filing fee is about $54. Claims up to $20,000.
Calculate Your Dallas Deadline
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Local Small Claims Court
Court
Dallas County Justice of the Peace Court
Address
600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202
Filing Fee
$54
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
Dallas Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my Dallas landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days from the date you move out, provided you gave a written forwarding address.
Does Texas limit how much a landlord can charge as a deposit?
No. Texas has no statutory cap on security deposit amounts.
What penalties can I get for a wrongfully withheld deposit in Dallas?
If bad faith: $100 + 3x the portion wrongfully withheld + reasonable attorney fees under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109.
Do I need to provide a forwarding address?
Yes. Under Texas law, the 30-day clock doesn't start until you provide your landlord with a written forwarding address.
Where do I file a small claims case in Dallas?
File at a Dallas County Justice of the Peace Court. Filing fee is approximately $54. Claims up to $20,000.