Fort Worth, TX Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Return deadline
- 30 days after move-out
- Statute
- TX Property Code 92.103
- Deposit cap
- No statutory maximum
- Bad-faith penalty
- Treble damages plus $100
- Forum
- Tarrant County justice court
Summary
Texas Property Code Sections 92.101 through 92.110 set statewide security-deposit rules. Fort Worth landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized list of deductions. The city has not adopted stricter local limits; state law preempts most local deposit regulation.
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.(c) The tenant's claim to the security deposit takes priority over the claim of any creditor of the landlord, including a trustee in bankruptcy.
Full Breakdown
Texas Property Code Section 92.103 requires Fort Worth landlords to refund any security deposit, less lawful deductions, within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises and provides a forwarding address in writing. Section 92.104 permits deductions only for actual damages beyond normal wear and tear, or for unpaid rent and charges. Section 92.109 imposes treble damages plus a $100 penalty plus attorney fees for landlords who act in bad faith. Texas sets no statutory cap on deposit amount. Fort Worth has not enacted local supplements; tenants enforce rights through Tarrant County justice courts, often via Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas.
Violations & Fines
Bad-faith retention triggers Section 92.109 damages: three times the wrongfully withheld portion, plus $100, plus attorney fees and court costs awarded to the prevailing tenant in a Tarrant County justice court suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my Fort Worth landlord have to return my deposit?
Can a Fort Worth landlord charge any deposit amount?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Fort Worth 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.