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.
Texas Property Code Section 92.103 requires Harris County landlords to refund any security deposit, less lawful deductions, within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the unit and provides a written forwarding address. Section 92.104 allows deductions only for damages beyond normal wear and tear or for unpaid rent and lease charges. Section 92.109 imposes treble damages plus a $100 penalty plus attorney fees on landlords acting in bad faith. Texas sets no statutory cap on deposit size, so two- or three-month deposits are legal. Harris County has not enacted local supplements. Tenants enforce rights through Justice of the Peace courts, which Harris County operates across sixteen JP precinct positions.
Bad-faith retention triggers Section 92.109 damages: three times the wrongfully withheld portion, plus $100, plus attorney fees and court costs awarded to a prevailing tenant in Harris County Justice of the Peace court.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how La Porte's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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