Texas Real Estate State Practice Exam 2025 - Free Real Estate License Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Texas, the law stipulates that a landlord can only make deductions from a security deposit for specific reasons . These reasons include unpaid rent and damages that exceed normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration that occurs in a property over time due to regular use, while damages that fall outside of this scope would be costs that the landlord may incur to restore the property to its original condition.

This approach emphasizes the protection of tenants' rights while ensuring landlords can recover funds for legitimate losses. Deductions for cleaning fees are often considered part of maintaining property standards rather than damages, and while cleaning expenses can sometimes be justifiable, they shouldn't overshadow the primary allowable deductions. General maintenance costs are also not a valid reason for deductions, as these are typically the landlord's responsibility to manage during a tenant's lease period.

Focusing on these restrictions helps clarify the legal framework surrounding security deposits, ultimately aiding both landlords and tenants in understanding their rights and obligations within the rental agreement.