Landlord won't return my security deposit: DFW tenant's step-by-step guide to getting your money back

It's the most common landlord-tenant dispute in Texas. Here's exactly what to do.

The law (Texas Property Code Section 92.103-92.109):

• Landlord has 30 days from move-out to return your deposit OR provide an itemized list of deductions
• If they fail to do either within 30 days, they may forfeit the RIGHT to withhold any of it
• The landlord bears the burden of proof for deductions

Step-by-step:

Day 1 (move-out):

• Video walkthrough the ENTIRE unit. Narrate condition. Include timestamps.
• Take photos of every wall, floor, appliance, fixture
• Return ALL keys and document it (get a receipt or send a confirmation email)
• Provide forwarding address IN WRITING

Day 31 (if no deposit returned):

• Send a written demand letter via certified mail (return receipt requested)
• State: "Per Texas Property Code 92.103, you had 30 days to return my deposit or provide an itemized deduction list. That period has expired."
• Give them 7-10 days to respond

Day 45 (if still nothing):

• File a claim in Justice of the Peace (JP) Court in the precinct where the property is located
• Filing fee: ~$75-150
• You can recover: deposit amount + $100 statutory penalty + 3x the wrongfully withheld amount + reasonable attorney's fees
• No lawyer needed for JP court

Pro tips:

• The 3x damages provision (TPC 92.109) is powerful. On a $1,500 deposit, that's $4,500 + $100 + $1,500 = $6,100 potential recovery.
• Most landlords settle once they receive the JP court citation
• Dallas County JP courts are tenant-friendly on this specific issue

Sources:

• Texas Property Code — Sections 92.101-92.109
• Texas Attorney General — Security Deposit FAQ
• Dallas County JP Court — filing procedures
• TexasLawHelp.org — demand letter templates