Texas security deposit demand letter
Create a Texas security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in Texas?
Texas residential security deposits are governed by Property Code §§ 92.101–92.109, principally §§ 92.103, 92.104, 92.107, and 92.109. The citation is used only after the factual scope questions confirm that the ordinary residential rule applies. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92.
Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92 · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in Texas?
The landlord’s 30-day obligation requires both surrender and the tenant’s written forwarding address. Recent Texas appellate decisions describe the written address as starting the clock; the safe product rule is 30 days after both prerequisites have occurred. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92; Lopez v. Larochelle (Tex. App. 2025).
Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92 · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in Texas?
If any deposit is retained, the landlord generally must provide the balance plus a written description and itemized list. No itemization is required when undisputed rent was owed at surrender. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92.
Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92 · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a Texas landlord does not comply?
Bad-faith retention creates liability for $100, three times the portion wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees. Bad-faith failure to itemize separately forfeits withholding and suit rights and supports fees. Bad faith is required. Missing the deadline creates a rebuttable presumption, and the landlord bears the burden to prove retention was reasonable. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92.
Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92 · Verified July 24, 2026
Does Texas require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No demand is required, but a written forwarding-address statement is mandatory before the refund/itemization obligation attaches. No special delivery class is prescribed. No mandatory tenant-demand form or wording exists; optional legal-aid forms are not statutory forms. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92.
Source: Texas Property Code ch. 92 · Verified July 24, 2026
Texas residential security deposits are governed by Property Code §§ 92.101–92.109, principally §§ 92.103, 92.104, 92.107, and 92.109.