Recovering Your Deposit. Most landlords require you to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when you move out or to cover your failure to pay the last month's rent. By law, landlords cannot refuse to return the deposit without a valid reason. §§ 92.101-92.109.
Deductions for damages. Under Texas law, you must give the landlord a forwarding address in order to receive your returned security deposit. The landlord must return your deposit — less any amount deducted for damages — within 30 days. If the landlord withholds part or all of your deposit, they must give you an itemized list of deductions with a description of the damages.
Normal wear and tear. The landlord may not charge you for normal wear and tear on the premises and may only charge for actual abnormal damage. For example, if the carpet simply becomes more worn because you and your guests walked on it for a year, the landlord may not charge you for a new carpet. If your water bed leaks and the carpet becomes mildewed as a result, you may be charged.
Advance notice requirements. You should check your rental agreement to see if it requires you to give the landlord advance notice that you are moving. Many leases require a 30-day notice as a condition of returning your deposit.
If you give your landlord your new address in writing and you do not receive your deposit or an explanation within 30 days of your departure, contact the landlord. If you cannot resolve the problem satisfactorily, you may wish to consult an attorney. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau or your local tenants’ council. You can also file a complaint with this office.
Read the Tenant's Rights Pamplet (pdf)
File a Consumer Complaint Online
File Consumer Complaint Online