Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Texas

Texas: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the day the tenant vacated. Interest: no. Penalty if the deposit is kept in bad faith: $100.00 + 3x the amount withheld. (Tex. Prop. Code 92.101-92.113)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the day the tenant vacated (needs a forwarding address).
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, other lease obligations, lease break fee. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: $100.00 + 3x the amount withheld if the deposit is kept in bad faith.

The rule text

Except as provided by Section 92.107, the landlord shall refund a security deposit to the tenant on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders the premises.

Tex. Prop. Code 92.103(a). Source: Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92, subchapter C Security Deposits (92.101-92.113), read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (2)

A tenant does not forfeit the refund merely by not giving a forwarding address (92.107(b)).
Lease-cancellation fee may be kept when the landlord finds a replacement before the lease starts (92.1031).

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the day the tenant vacated.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Tex. Prop. Code 92.101-92.113 (Texas)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under Tex. Prop. Code 92.101-92.113.

Settle a deposit in Texas

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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