Texas Security Deposit Law (2026): Limit & Deadline

Maximum deposit

No statutory limit

Return deadline

30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises

Controlling statute

Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 (refund); see also §§ 92.104, 92.107, 92.109

No statutory dollar cap. Texas sets no statewide limit on the deposit amount — but local ordinances may, and the return deadline above still applies. Market practice is typically 1–2 months of rent.

Maximum security deposit in Texas

No statutory limit. 30-day refund (§ 92.103) and forwarding-address condition (§ 92.107). Bad-faith retention = $100 + 3x wrongfully withheld + fees (§ 92.109).

Returning the deposit

30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises (refund/itemization not owed until tenant gives a written forwarding address). Read Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 (refund); see also §§ 92.104, 92.107, 92.109 for the exact triggers, itemization requirements, and penalties for late or bad-faith withholding.

Compare with other states

See the full sortable table in our free security deposit limits by state tool, or jump to another state below.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Texas?

No statutory limit. 30-day refund (§ 92.103) and forwarding-address condition (§ 92.107). Bad-faith retention = $100 + 3x wrongfully withheld + fees (§ 92.109). This is a best-effort summary verified against the official statute (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 (refund); see also §§ 92.104, 92.107, 92.109) on June 7, 2026 — always confirm with the current law or an attorney.

When must a landlord return a security deposit in Texas?

30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises (refund/itemization not owed until tenant gives a written forwarding address). See Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 (refund); see also §§ 92.104, 92.107, 92.109 for the exact conditions and any itemization requirements.

What statute governs security deposits in Texas?

Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 (refund); see also §§ 92.104, 92.107, 92.109. The official text is published by the state at https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm.

Is this legal advice?

No. This page is a best-effort summary compiled from primary legal authority and verified on June 7, 2026. Statutes change, and many states use tiers or exceptions a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.

Texas security deposit law