Arlington, TX Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Refund deadline
- 30 days
- Deposit cap
- None
- Bad-faith damages
- 3x plus $100
- Forwarding address
- Required
Summary
Arlington landlords follow Texas Property Code §92.103, which requires return of a tenants security deposit within 30 days of move-out, accompanied by an itemized list of any deductions when the deposit is not refunded in full and the tenant has provided a forwarding address.
Sec. 92.103. OBLIGATION TO REFUND. (a) 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. (b) A requirement that a tenant give advance notice of surrender as a condition for refunding the security deposit is effective only if the requirement is underlined or is printed in conspicuous bold print in the lease... Sec. 92.104. RETENTION OF SECURITY DEPOSIT; ACCOUNTING. (a) Before returning a security deposit, the landlord may deduct from the deposit damages and charges for which the tenant is legally liable under the lease or as a result of breaching the lease.
Full Breakdown
Arlington does not impose city-specific security-deposit rules; Texas Property Code Chapter 92, Subchapter C governs. Landlords must refund the deposit, less itemized deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, within 30 days of the tenant surrendering the unit and providing a written forwarding address. Bad-faith withholding exposes the landlord to liability for three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus 100 dollars and attorneys fees. There is no statutory cap on deposit amounts in Texas, though most Arlington landlords charge one to two months rent. Cleaning and pet fees must be disclosed in writing.
Violations & Fines
Bad-faith withholding triggers Texas Property Code §92.109 damages: three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus 100 dollars, plus reasonable attorneys fees recoverable in justice court.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must my Arlington landlord return my deposit?
Is there a cap on Arlington security deposits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arlington
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Arlington to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview
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Security Deposit Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle security deposit rules.