Texas Security Deposit Limit
no statutory limitTexas has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits — the amount is a matter of contract between you and the landlord. That makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our Texas law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Texas compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Texas compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Texas | no statutory limit |
| Utah | no statutory limit |
| Vermont | no statewide limit (local caps in some cities) |
| Virginia | 2 months' rent |
| Washington | no statewide limit (local caps in some cities) |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Texas?
- Texas sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Texas is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. No limit on amount, but must be returned within 30 days of move-out. Landlord must provide itemized list of deductions.
- Does Texas require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Texas does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?
- Texas landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Texas Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Texas law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Texas lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Texas for your specific situation.