Security Deposits

A security deposit is money paid in advance by the tenant to the landlord to cover potential property damage. Rent, application fees, rent paid in advance, and non-refundable fees are not considered security deposits. Unless you live in public or subsidized housing, there is no limit on the amount that can be charged as a security deposit. 

From Security Deposits by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.

No. Security deposits are separate from rent payments, and different laws apply. Always pay your rent. Not paying any part of the last month’s rent can make you liable to the landlord for three times the amount of rent you don’t pay. If you owe rent and there is no dispute over the amount you owe, the landlord can keep the security deposit for the amount you owe. If you move out before your lease ends, your landlord may subtract a reletting fee from your security deposit. There is no limit on the amount of the reletting fee, but if it is not reasonable, it might be illegal.

The deposit can only be used to repair substantial damage to the property unless there are extra charges stated in the lease. Your landlord cannot withhold for damage caused by previous tenants or for everyday wear and tear to the property.

• Normal wear and tear: A worn carpet, peeling paint, or dusty fixtures are examples.  
• “Substantial” damage: Damage due to accident, carelessness, or abuse of the property. A broken window, a hole in the wall, or a large carpet stain are examples. You are responsible even if a guest caused the damage.
• Charges in the lease: Your lease may have special charges that can be subtracted from the security deposit. For example, if your lease says that you can’t paint the walls, but you do, some of your deposit can be withheld as a re-painting fee.

• Read the lease carefully for charges that might be withheld, like a re-painting fee. You can negotiate these before signing.
• Do a walk-through inspection of the property with the landlord.
• Take photos of existing damage or needed repairs.
• Make a written list of existing damage. Sign the list and have the landlord sign it if possible. Make sure to give the landlord a copy of the list and keep another copy for yourself.

• Notice. A lease may require that the tenant give the landlord 30 or 60 days' written notice before moving out to get the security deposit back. Carefully review the lease three months before you plan to move: many landlords require 60 days' notice. Keep a copy of the notice.
• If you didn’t give 30 days’ notice (or more), check your lease. Some leases include a requirement of written notice of move-out for a refund of the security deposit, but this must be underlined or bold print.

Do a final walk-through inspection with the landlord. Ask the landlord for a written, signed list of damage to the property, and keep a copy. If the landlord won’t do a walk-through, inspect the unit with a friend. 

• Take photos or videotape of the property and its condition.
• Return all your keys to the landlord.
• Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing. It does not need to be where you live, only a reliable place to receive mail. Keep a copy of the notice. Your landlord has 30 days from the date you move (or the date you provide notice of your new address, whichever is later) to send a refund of your security deposit.

Your landlord has 30 days from the date you move (or 30 days from the date you give written notice of your forwarding address) to refund your security deposit. If the landlord withholds for repairs, you are entitled to a written, itemized list of the damage and cost of repairs and the balance of your deposit after the repairs are subtracted. If you disagree with the deductions or your deposit is not refunded, you can sue in small claims court to recover the entire amount. Contact the Justice of the Peace court in the precinct where the property is located for instructions and forms.

You can also find information on how to sue in small claims court, along with links to small claims forms, at How to Sue in Justice Court (Small Claims Court).

Find more help from the Texas Tenant Advisor. See also the Austin Tenants Council's article about security deposits.

Use this security deposit demand letter to ask your landlord to give you your deposit back after you move out.