Texas Security Deposit Law: 30-Day Deadline & $100 + 3x Treble Damages
Under Texas Property Code § 92.109, landlords must return deposits within 30 days. Bad-faith landlords face 3x treble damages plus $100. Send notice.
Texas: 30-Day & 3x Deposit Law
Under Texas Property Code § 92.109, landlords must return deposits within 30 days. Bad-faith landlords face 3x treble damages plus $100. Send notice.
Why this calculation is mathematically fair
Texas law protects tenants with powerful treble damages (3x deposit amount + $100 statutory penalty + attorney fees) if a landlord withholds in bad faith after receiving a written forwarding address.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Texas 30-day deposit clock start? +
Under Tex. Prop. Code § 92.107, the landlord is not obligated to return the deposit until the tenant provides a written statement of the forwarding address.
What is the penalty for bad faith in Texas? +
The tenant can sue in Justice Court (Small Claims) for $100 plus three times the portion of the deposit wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees.
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Explore more Security Deposit Rights Tool scenarios
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, landlords must return your deposit within 21 days. Generate a formal demand letter and claim up to 2x damages.
New York: 14-Day Deposit LawUnder the NY HSTPA (GOB § 7-108), landlords must return security deposits within 14 days or forfeit all deductions. Generate an official demand letter.
Florida: 15-Day Deposit LawUnder Florida Statute § 83.49, landlords have 15 to 30 days to return deposits or make claims. Learn your dispute deadlines and send a statutory notice.
Washington: 30-Day Deposit Return & RCW 59.18 RightsUnder RCW 59.18.280 (HB 1074), Washington landlords have 30 days to return deposits. If no signed move-in checklist exists, withholding is barred.
Massachusetts: 30-Day Rule & 3x Treble DamagesUnder M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B, Massachusetts landlords must return deposits within 30 days with interest. Violations carry mandatory 3x treble damages.
Illinois: 45-Day Deposit Law & Chicago CRLTOUnder 765 ILCS 710/1 and Chicago CRLTO § 5-12-080, landlords face strict return deadlines and 2x statutory damages for wrongful deductions.