What is a security deposit?
A refundable sum of money held by a landlord to cover potential tenant-caused damage, unpaid rent, or other lease violations in accordance with Texas property code.
A security deposit is cash a tenant provides to the landlord at lease signing as financial protection. Under Texas Property Code Section 92.101 through 92.109, the deposit is held in trust and must be returned to the tenant within 30 days of move-out, minus any lawful deductions.
Landlords in Texas may deduct from the deposit for several reasons: unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning costs if the unit is left unreasonably dirty, or other lease violations. The landlord must provide an itemized accounting of all deductions along with the refund or explanation of why the full deposit is retained.
The deposit protects the landlord's financial interests if a tenant damages the rental unit, breaks the lease early, or leaves rent unpaid. For tenants, it means that reasonable condition at move-out should result in a full or nearly full refund. Neither party should treat the security deposit as a fee the landlord keeps; it remains the tenant's money unless legitimate deductions apply.
In Greater Houston, security deposits are a standard part of apartment leases. The amount varies by property, neighborhood, and unit size, but the same Texas legal requirements apply regardless of location.