Houston Renters
Get Your Security Deposit Back in Houston
Your Houston landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out. Know your rights and hold them accountable.
30
Days to return
$1,400
Avg. rent
2.3M
Population
Houston Local Info
Texas allows landlords 30 days to return deposits. If they don't provide an itemized list of deductions, tenants may be entitled to the full deposit plus penalties.
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. Failure to do so within 30 days creates a presumption of bad faith.
Penalties: $100 + 3x the wrongfully withheld amount + reasonable attorney fees for bad faith retention (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109).
Read the full ordinance →Houston 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 Houston: Step by Step
Confirm the 30-Day Deadline Has Passed
Texas law gives landlords 30 days after you surrender the premises to either return your full deposit or send a written itemized list of deductions. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing.
Send a Written Demand Letter
Reference Texas Property Code § 92.103-92.109. State the amount owed, that the 30-day deadline has passed, and that bad faith retention entitles you to $100 + 3x damages + attorney fees. Send via certified mail.
Gather Your Evidence
Collect your lease, deposit receipt, move-in/move-out photos, written forwarding address notice, and any communication from your landlord.
File in Harris County Justice of the Peace Court
File a small claims case at a Harris County JP Court. The filing fee is approximately $80. You can sue for up to $20,000.
Calculate Your Houston Deadline
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Local Small Claims Court
Court
Harris County Justice of the Peace Court
Address
1302 Preston St, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Filing Fee
$80
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
Houston Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my Houston landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days from the date you surrender the premises. This deadline is set by Texas Property Code § 92.103.
Is there a security deposit cap in Houston or Texas?
No. Texas has no statutory limit on how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit.
What happens if my Houston landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?
You can recover $100 plus three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees under Texas Property Code § 92.109.
Does my Houston landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
No. Texas does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits or hold them in a separate escrow account.
Where do I file a small claims case for my deposit in Houston?
File at a Harris County Justice of the Peace Court. The filing fee is about $80, and you can sue for up to $20,000.