Demand letters in Texas.
In Texas, landlords must return a deposit within 30 days, and the Justice Court (Small Claims docket) hears claims up to $20,000 (exclusive of statutory interest and court costs). Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.
Texas demand letter facts at a glance
30 days
$20,000 (exclusive of statutory interest and court costs)
About $54 (plus service fees)
4 years
2 years
5% to 8.25% per year (post-judgment, prime-based, set monthly by the OCCC).
Security deposit demand letters in Texas
If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Texas law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Bad-faith retention can expose the landlord to $100 plus three times the portion wrongfully withheld plus attorney’s fees.
Governing statute: Tex. Prop. Code § 92.101 to § 92.109 · read it
Statutes of limitation in Texas
A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:
| Written contracts | 4 years |
| Oral contracts | 4 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
| Property damage | 2 years |
Small claims court in Texas
If your demand letter is ignored, Texas's Justice Court (Small Claims docket) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $20,000 (exclusive of statutory interest and court costs), with filing fees around About $54 (plus service fees). You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.
Texas courts self-helpGood to know in Texas
Texas requires deposits back within 30 days, and a landlord who withholds in bad faith faces a distinctive penalty: $100 plus three times the wrongfully withheld portion plus attorney’s fees, and the landlord bears the burden of proving good faith. You must give a forwarding address in writing to start the clock. Small claims are heard in the Justice Court up to $20,000. Texas’s four-year contract limitations period applies to unpaid invoices and debts alike.
Common demand letters in Texas
Each generator automatically applies Texas law where it matters.
Security Deposit Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.
Create this letterUnpaid Invoice Demand Letter
A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.
Create this letterContractor Dispute Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.
Create this letterDebt Collection Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.
Create this letterProperty Damage Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.
Create this letterUnpaid Wages Demand Letter
A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.
Create this letterTexas demand letter FAQ
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Texas?
What is the small claims court limit in Texas?
How long do I have to sue in Texas?
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Texas?
Send a demand letter that cites Texas law.
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