Does Lubbock, TX have its own security deposit rules ordinance?

No. Lubbock, TX does not appear to have a local security deposit rules ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Lubbock Code of Ordinances.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Lubbock

Lubbock, TX Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Light Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Refund deadline: 30 days after move-out
Itemized deductions: Required in writing
Bad-faith penalty: Triple deposit plus 100
Small claims venue: Justice Court

Summary

Texas Property Code section 92.103 requires Lubbock landlords to refund security deposits within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions. Bad-faith withholding triggers triple-damage liability.

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. Acts 1983, 68th Leg., p. 3639, ch. 576, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1984. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 744, Sec. 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1996.
Sec. 92.1031. CONDITIONS FOR RETENTIO

Source: Lubbock Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Lubbock has no city deposit cap, but Texas Property Code section 92.103 governs all residential leases statewide. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant providing a forwarding address and surrendering possession. Deductions must be itemized in writing for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Bad-faith retention triggers Texas Property Code section 92.109 penalties of three times the deposit plus 100 dollars and reasonable attorney fees. Texas Tech students often face deposit disputes near Tech Terrace and Heart of Lubbock; small-claims court at the Lubbock County Justice Courts handles claims up to 20,000 dollars.

Violations & Fines

Bad-faith withholding violates Texas Property Code section 92.109, exposing landlords to three times the deposit, 100 dollars statutory penalty, plus tenant attorney fees in justice or county court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does my Lubbock landlord have to return my deposit?

Thirty days after you give a forwarding address and vacate, per Texas Property Code section 92.103. Late returns or unjustified deductions trigger statutory triple-damage penalties.

Where do I sue?

Lubbock County Justice Court for claims up to 20,000 dollars. Bring the lease, photos of move-in and move-out condition, and the itemized statement if any.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lubbock

Cash-for-Keys AgreementsFew Restrictions Source-of-Income DiscriminationFew Restrictions Relocation AssistanceFew Restrictions No-Fault EvictionsFew Restrictions Tenant Anti-HarassmentLight Restrictions Just Cause EvictionFew Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsLight Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Lubbock rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Lubbock to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview

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