Security Deposit Rules for Georgetown Landlords
Security deposit disputes are among the most common landlord-tenant conflicts, and most are avoidable with proper documentation.
The 30-Day Rule
Texas Property Code Chapter 92 requires landlords to return the deposit, or provide an itemized deduction list, within 30 days of the tenant surrendering the property.
What Can Be Deducted
Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear — not routine cleaning or minor scuffs from ordinary living.
Documentation Is Everything
A move-in inspection with photos, compared against a matching move-out inspection, is what makes deductions defensible if a Georgetown tenant disputes them.
HOA Considerations
Some Georgetown HOA communities have their own move-out inspection requirements in addition to standard security deposit rules — worth understanding for HOA-governed rentals.
Avoiding Disputes
Clear move-in documentation and a fair, consistent standard for what counts as damage versus wear and tear resolve the vast majority of deposit disagreements before they escalate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wear and tear is expected from everyday living; damage goes beyond that — stains, holes, or broken fixtures from neglect or misuse.
They risk liability for the deposit plus statutory damages and the tenant's attorney's fees if the failure was in bad faith.
