Security Deposit Rules: Bellaire vs Houston
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Bellaire, TX and Houston, TX?
Bellaire and Houston have similar restriction levels.
Bellaire, TX
Harris County
Texas Property Code Sections 92.101 through 92.110 set statewide security-deposit rules for all Harris County rentals. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized list of any deductions. The county does not impose stricter local limits; state law preempts local deposit regulation.
View full Bellaire rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Texas Property Code Section 92.103 requires landlords to refund a tenant's security deposit within 30 days of move-out, with itemized deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear; Houston has no stricter local rule.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellaire | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Return deadline | 30 days after move-out | - |
| Statute | TX Property Code 92.103-92.110 | TX Property Code Section 92.103 |
| Deposit cap | No statutory maximum amount | None under Texas law |
| Bad-faith penalty | Treble damages plus $100 | $100 plus 3x wrongful amount |
| Forum | JP court for under $20K | - |
| Refund deadline | - | 30 days after move-out |
| Forwarding address | - | Tenant must provide in writing |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellaire FAQ
How long does my Harris County landlord have to return my deposit?
Thirty days from when you surrender the unit and give a written forwarding address. Without the forwarding address in writing, the 30-day clock does not start under Texas Property Code Section 92.107.
Can a Harris County landlord charge any deposit amount?
Yes. Texas sets no cap on security deposit size, and Harris County has not adopted local limits. Two- or three-month deposits are legal, though one month is the typical market practice.
Houston FAQ
How long does my Houston landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days from when you surrender the property and provide a written forwarding address. Missing either condition pauses the clock under Texas Property Code Section 92.107.
What can my landlord deduct?
Damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, and other lease-defined charges. The landlord must provide an itemized written list of deductions if any amount is withheld.
Is there a cap on how much deposit landlords can charge?
No. Texas places no statutory cap on residential security deposits, and Houston has no local cap. Market norms for Houston run one to two months' rent.
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