Texas places no statutory limit on how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, the landlord must refund the deposit within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises. A landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith faces $100 plus three times the wrongfully withheld amount, plus the tenant's attorney's fees.
Texas Property Code Subchapter C imposes no cap on the deposit amount, but it strictly governs the refund. A landlord "shall refund a security deposit to the tenant on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders the premises" (Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103). The tenant must first give a written forwarding address, though failing to do so does not forfeit the refund right (§ 92.107). A landlord may deduct damages and unpaid amounts for which the tenant is legally liable but may not retain anything for normal wear and tear, and must provide a written itemized list of deductions (§ 92.104) — unless the tenant owes rent at surrender and there is no controversy over the rent owed.
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.109, a landlord who in bad faith retains a deposit is liable for $100 plus three times the portion wrongfully withheld plus the tenant's reasonable attorney's fees. Bad faith is presumed if the landlord fails to refund or provide a written itemization within 30 days.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Midland, TX
Midland prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed ...
Midland, TX
Midland regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new cons...
Midland, TX
Midland regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Midland, TX
Midland requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Midland, TX
Midland requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Midland, TX
Midland restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisanc...
See how Midland's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.