How Much Can Landlords Charge for Security Deposits in Texas?

Unfortunately for renters, the laws in Texas don’t limit how much a landlord can ask you to put down for a security deposit. The equivalent of one month’s rent is common—but it’s not illegal for a landlord in Austin or Houston to ask for more. Whatever the amount, it should be clearly written out in the lease.

Other Texas laws that deal with security deposits aren’t particularly tenant-friendly, either. Your landlord is allowed to include a clause in the lease that requires you to let them know in advance that you're moving out, even if your lease is up—otherwise, they get to keep your entire deposit. The clause has to be either bolded or underlined, so you should be able to find it when you read through the lease before signing. You could even ask the landlord to cross that clause out, although they’re allowed to refuse.

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