How to Get Your Security Deposit Back When Moving Out

Moving out of a Houston apartment is stressful enough without the added anxiety of wondering whether you'll see your security deposit again. The good news: Texas law is firmly on your side — if you know the rules and take the right steps. Here's exactly what to do to get your security deposit back when moving out.

What Texas Law Says About Your Deposit

Under Texas Property Code Sections 92.103–92.109, your landlord has 30 days from the date you vacate to either return your full security deposit or mail you an itemized written statement of deductions. If they miss that deadline without a good-faith reason, Texas law allows you to sue for the amount withheld plus $100 in penalties and attorney's fees.

There's one critical requirement on your end: you must provide your landlord with a written forwarding address before or when you move out. Under Section 92.107, a landlord is not required to return the deposit until they have your forwarding address in writing. Don't just text it — send an email or drop off a written note so you have a paper trail.

Cleaning Is the #1 Reason Deposits Get Withheld

Ask any property manager in Houston and they'll tell you the same thing: cleaning charges are the most common deduction on move-out. Even renters who paid on time and never caused problems lose hundreds of dollars because the unit wasn't cleaned to a move-in standard.

Landlords expect the apartment to be returned in the same condition it was rented — minus normal wear and tear. That means a thorough, top-to-bottom clean. Not a quick wipe-down.

Normal Wear and Tear vs. Chargeable Damage

Texas law distinguishes between normal wear and tear (which cannot be charged to you) and actual damage or excessive filth (which can). Here's the practical difference:

• Normal wear and tear: Small nail holes from hanging pictures, light scuff marks on walls, carpet that has thinned from regular foot traffic, faded paint.
• Chargeable damage: Large holes in walls, stains on carpet, grease-caked stovetops, mold from neglected spills, broken fixtures, pet damage.

If your landlord tries to charge you for repainting an entire apartment simply because the walls look slightly faded after two years of normal use, that's likely not enforceable. But a wall with scuffs, handprints, and crayon marks is a different story.

The Areas Landlords Inspect Most Closely

Houston property managers know exactly where to look. Focus your cleaning efforts on these high-scrutiny zones:

• Stovetop and oven: Grease buildup here is one of the most cited deductions. Clean burners, drip pans, oven interior, and oven door glass thoroughly.
• Bathrooms: Soap scum on shower walls, hard water stains around faucets, grime in toilet base, and mildew in grout are all red flags.
• Floors: Sweep, mop, and spot-clean any stains. If you have carpet, vacuum thoroughly and address any visible stains before the walkthrough.
• Walls and baseboards: Wipe down baseboards, light switches, outlet covers, and any scuff marks on walls.
• Windows: Clean interior window glass, sills, and blinds if applicable.
• Refrigerator and microwave: Often overlooked — landlords check inside appliances. Remove all food, wipe shelves and drawers, and deodorize.

Document Everything — Before and After

Before you clean and again after you're done, take timestamped photos and short video walkthroughs of every room. Pay special attention to walls, floors, appliances, and fixtures. This documentation is your best protection if a landlord tries to charge you for damage that was already there when you moved in or for work that clearly wasn't needed.

If you hire a professional cleaning service, keep your receipt. A cleaning receipt from a licensed, insured service is evidence that you returned the unit in professionally cleaned condition. It shifts the burden to the landlord to justify any cleaning charges they try to make.

The Math: Professional Clean vs. Deposit Deduction

Here's where the numbers make the decision easy. A standard move-out cleaning in Houston through Hyper Clean TX starts at $119, with a deep clean add-on available for units that need more thorough attention. Typical cleaning deductions from Houston landlords run $200 to $500 or more — and that's before you account for any disputed charges that escalate further.

Spending $119–$189 on a professional clean to protect a $1,000+ security deposit is one of the easiest financial decisions you'll make during a move.

Timing Your Clean for Maximum Impact

Schedule your professional cleaning 1 to 2 days before your final walkthrough. This keeps the unit in move-in condition at the exact moment your landlord inspects it. Cleaning too early — say, a week out — leaves time for dust, footprints, and moving activity to undo the work.

If you're in Houston and working with a tight move-out timeline, Hyper Clean TX can typically accommodate bookings with short notice. Book online or send a quick message to lock in your date.

Quick Checklist Before You Hand Over the Keys

• Provide written forwarding address to your landlord
• Schedule professional cleaning 1–2 days before walkthrough
• Take timestamped photos and video after cleaning
• Keep your cleaning receipt
• Remove all personal belongings and trash
• Return all keys, fobs, and garage remotes
• Request a joint walkthrough with your landlord if possible

Getting your security deposit back when moving out in Houston comes down to preparation, documentation, and leaving the unit genuinely clean. Texas law gives you real protections — use them.