Bexar County, TX Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Refund deadline
- 30 days
- Deposit cap
- None
- Bad-faith penalty
- $100 plus 3x
- Court venue
- Justice of the Peace
Summary
Bexar County rental security deposits are governed by Texas Property Code 92.101 through 92.109. Landlords must refund deposits within 30 days of move-out and provide an itemized list of deductions or face statutory penalties.
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. Sec. 92.104. RETENTION OF SECURITY DEPOSIT; ACCOUNTING. (a) Before returning a security deposit, the landlord may deduct from the deposit damages and charges for which the tenant is legally liable under the lease or as a result of breaching the lease.
Full Breakdown
Texas does not cap security deposit amounts, but section 92.103 requires landlords to return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant surrendering possession and providing a forwarding address. Section 92.104 allows deductions only for damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent, with an itemized written list. Bad-faith retention triggers section 92.109 penalties: $100 plus three times the wrongfully withheld portion plus reasonable attorney fees. Bexar County does not add local rules or registration requirements for security deposits in unincorporated areas. Tenants enforce deposit rights through Justice of the Peace small claims court (jurisdictional limit $20,000).
Violations & Fines
Bad-faith withholding triggers $100 plus 3x wrongful withholding plus attorney fees under Texas Property Code 92.109. Failure to provide itemized list shifts burden to landlord to prove deductions were lawful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does my Bexar County landlord have to refund my deposit?
What can I do if my landlord keeps my deposit unfairly?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview
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