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.
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.
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.
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See how Fort Worth's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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