Generally after the tenant surrenders the premises, subject to § 92.107.
The landlord is not obligated to refund or itemize until a written forwarding address is provided.
§ 92.104 expressly bars using the deposit for normal wear and tear.
Generally required with the remaining balance, subject to the rent-owed exception in § 92.104(c).
What can be deducted from a Texas security deposit?
Section 92.104 allows deductions for damages and charges for which the tenant is legally liable under the lease or because the tenant breached the lease. The same section expressly prohibits retaining deposit money for normal wear and tear.
What the landlord should send
When all or part of the deposit is retained, Texas law generally requires the balance, if any, plus a written description and itemized list of deductions. There is a narrow exception when the tenant owes rent at surrender and there is no controversy about the amount owed.
Documents worth keeping
- The lease and deposit addenda.
- Proof of the date possession was surrendered and keys were returned.
- A copy of the written forwarding-address notice.
- Move-in and move-out photos or video.
- The itemized statement, invoices, receipts and communications about deductions.
Official sources
Use these links to verify the rule directly. RentBillCheck prioritizes Texas statutes and state-agency materials over secondary summaries.
Primary rule for the 30-day residential security-deposit refund deadline, subject to the forwarding-address rule.
Texas Constitution and StatutesTexas Property Code § 92.104 — Retention of Security Deposit; Accounting ↗Primary rules for lawful deductions, normal wear and tear, and written itemization when a landlord retains deposit money.
Texas Constitution and StatutesTexas Property Code § 92.107 — Tenant’s Forwarding Address ↗Explains that the landlord’s refund and itemization obligation is delayed until the tenant gives a written forwarding address, without forfeiting the tenant’s underlying right to a refund.
Texas Constitution and StatutesTexas Property Code § 92.001 — Definitions ↗Primary definition of normal wear and tear for Texas residential tenancies.
Office of the Attorney General of TexasRenter’s Rights ↗Official Texas consumer guidance summarizing deposits, itemized deductions, normal wear and tear and forwarding-address issues.