TEXAS SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN LETTER

Date: [[Return Date]]

Landlord / Authorized Agent:
[[Landlord Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], Texas [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

Tenant(s):
[[Tenant Name]]
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]]
[[City]], Texas [[ZIP Code]]

RE: Security Deposit Return, Lease for [[Property Address]]
Lease End / Move-Out Date: [[Move-Out Date]]
Original Security Deposit Amount: $[[Original Deposit Amount]]

Dear [[Tenant Name]]:

This letter concerns the accounting and return of your security deposit held under the Residential Lease Agreement for the premises located at [[Property Address]] (the "Premises").

Under Texas Property Code § 92.103, a landlord must return a tenant's security deposit (or an itemized statement of deductions together with payment of any balance) on or before the 30th day after the date the tenant surrenders the Premises. The 30-day period does not begin until the landlord has received the tenant's written forwarding address. Texas law does not require a landlord to pay interest on security deposits.

A landlord who in bad faith fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement and accounting may be liable under Texas Property Code § 92.109 for:

• The amount of the deposit wrongfully withheld
• $100
• Three times the portion of the deposit wrongfully withheld
• Reasonable attorney's fees

1. Deposit Accounting Timeline and Forwarding Address

• Move-out / keys and possession surrendered: [[Move-Out Date]]
• Forwarding address received in writing: [[Date Forwarding Address Received]]
• 30-day statutory deadline for return or itemized statement: [[30-Day Deadline Date]]
• Amount returned or to be returned on or before the deadline: $[[Amount Returned]]

Tenant provided the forwarding address in writing on or about the date shown above. The landlord's 30-day obligation is measured from the later of surrender of possession or receipt of the forwarding address.

2. Security Deposit Summary

A check, money order, or electronic transfer in the amount of $[[Amount Returned]] is enclosed with this letter or has been sent to the forwarding address listed above.

3. Itemized Statement of Deductions

The following deductions are claimed. Only permissible deductions are made. Deductions are limited to:

• Unpaid or delinquent rent
• Actual costs to repair damage to the Premises caused by the tenant, the tenant's family, guests, or invitees, excluding ordinary wear and tear
• Cleaning costs only if the lease specifically requires the tenant to have the Premises professionally cleaned or returned in a specific condition beyond normal turnover cleaning

Normal wear and tear (for example, minor scuffs on floors from normal use, faded paint, or minor appliance wear) is not deductible.

If any single deduction exceeds $125 or if receipts are otherwise required by the lease or your policy, copies of invoices, receipts, or written estimates are attached or available upon request.

4. Condition of Premises at Move-Out

A move-out inspection was conducted on or about [[Move-Out Inspection Date]].

Key observations and condition notes:
[[Summary of Condition Notes, e.g., carpets professionally cleaned by tenant, minor nail holes in living room, kitchen left in good condition, one broken window blind replaced]]

Tenant was offered the opportunity to be present at the move-out inspection: [[Yes / No, tenant declined / tenant attended]]

5. Payment and Return Method

The balance of $[[Amount Returned]] is being returned via:

[[Check mailed to forwarding address / Electronic funds transfer to account on file / Other: [[Method]] ]]

If payment is by check, the check number is: [[Check Number or "N/A"]]

The payment is made payable to [[Tenant Name]] and sent to the forwarding address provided.

6. Detailed Condition and Deduction Rationale

A pre-move-out walkthrough or inspection was offered and conducted as follows:

Date of final inspection: [[Move-Out Inspection Date]]

Landlord representatives present: [[Names]]

Tenant or tenant's representative present: [[Yes, name / No, tenant declined / No, tenant not reachable]]

Photographs were taken of the Premises at move-out and are available upon request. The move-in checklist / inventory (if completed at the start of the tenancy) was compared to the move-out condition.

Specific areas reviewed:

• Living areas and flooring: [[Condition notes]]

• Kitchen and appliances: [[Condition notes]]

• Bathrooms: [[Condition notes]]

• Bedrooms: [[Condition notes]]

• Exterior, yard, parking (if applicable): [[Condition notes]]

• Smoke / CO detectors and safety devices: [[Condition notes, all present and functional / replaced as needed]]

Any damage noted was documented with photos and written descriptions prior to preparing this accounting.

7. Additional Information or Notes

[[Additional Notes, e.g., Keys returned and accounted for (quantity), all personal property removed, final utility readings provided, garage door openers / remotes returned, no other amounts owed at this time, mailbox key returned]]

Tenant is advised that this accounting is final as of the date of this letter unless a written objection is received within a reasonable period. Any balance due from tenant for unpaid rent or other charges beyond the deposit will be pursued separately if applicable.

8. Dispute Process

If Tenant disagrees with any deduction or the amount returned:

1. Submit a written objection to the landlord at the address above within 30 days of receipt of this letter.

2. Include specific items disputed and any supporting documentation or photos.

3. The landlord will respond in writing within a reasonable time.

Failure to object in writing does not waive tenant rights under Texas law, but prompt written communication helps resolve issues efficiently.

Landlord contact for disputes: [[Landlord Name]] at [[Phone / Email]]

9. Attachments

The following documents are attached to or accompany this letter:

• Copy of move-out inspection checklist / photos

• Invoices or written estimates for all deductions over $125 (or as required)

• Copy of the original lease security deposit provision

• Rent ledger (if unpaid rent claimed)

• Copy of this letter

List of additional attachments: [[Additional Attachments or "None"]]

10. Acknowledgment

LANDLORD / AUTHORIZED AGENT

Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Return Date]]

Printed Name: [[Landlord Name]]

TENANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT (optional but recommended)

I acknowledge receipt of this security deposit return letter, the itemized statement, and the payment referenced herein.

Signature: ______________________________ Date: _________

Printed Name: [[Tenant Name]], -

*Sample template, not professional legal advice. This letter follows Texas Property Code §§ 92.103 (30-day return requirement), 92.104 (itemized statement), and 92.109 (bad-faith penalties including 3x, $100, and attorney fees). Texas does not require interest on security deposits. Landlords must have the tenant's written forwarding address to start the 30-day clock. Always retain documentation of the move-out condition, receipts for all claimed deductions, and proof of timely delivery. Information current as of June 2026.*