Security Deposit Laws in Texas
Texas does not cap security deposits, requires the landlord to refund the deposit on or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises, and has no statute setting notice for landlord entry.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Texas at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- No statewide limit
- State law sets no maximum deposit
- Deposit return deadline
- 30 days
- 30 days after tenant surrenders the premises
- Interest on deposits
- Not required by state law
- Some cities have their own interest rules
- Notice before landlord entry
- No statutory period
- No statute specifies notice
The rules in Texas
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Texas?
Texas law sets no statewide limit on security deposits, so the amount is set by the lease. Check for local rules where you rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?
Texas rule: 30 days after tenant surrenders the premises.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Texas?
No. Texas state law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Some cities have their own rules.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Texas?
Texas has no statute that sets a notice period for landlord entry, so the lease usually governs. Giving reasonable advance notice is common practice.
Where do the Texas rules for residential leases come from?
They come from Tex. Prop. Code 92.103 and Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Texas compares
Texas is one of 21 jurisdictions with no statewide cap. Its 30-day return deadline is the same as the most common deadline of 30 days; 15 jurisdictions require a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.