Houston Security Deposit Calculator (2026) — Free
One missed deadline. One wrong deduction. That's all it takes to owe 3x penalties in Houston. Calculate your exact limits before it costs you.
Calculate Your Security Deposit Limits
Results for Houston, TX
--
result
--
deadline / notice
--
penalty if violated
Houston Security Deposit by Unit Size
Here are the amounts at Houston's current Fair Market Rents:
| Unit Size | Median Rent | Max Deposit | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,280/mo | No limit | $3,840 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,323/mo | No limit | $3,969 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,573/mo | No limit | $4,719 |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,116/mo | No limit | $6,348 |
| 4-Bedroom | $2,639/mo | No limit | $7,917 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Harris County.
Penalty Warning
If you fail to return the deposit within 30 days, a Houston tenant can sue for up to 3x the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees. Tenant may recover 3x the wrongfully withheld amount plus $100 and attorney fees for bad faith
Get your move-in/move-out checklist + deposit return timeline
Includes itemized deduction worksheet, return deadline tracker, and TX deposit law summary. Enter your email and we'll send it right over.
Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Or skip straight to managing your properties Start Managing Free →
Ready to manage your rentals yourself?
Leases, rent collection, maintenance, compliance — all in one place. Property managers charge $100–200/unit/month.
Free to explore · No credit card required
For the full breakdown of rules, deadlines, and procedures, see our Houston Security Deposit Laws guide.
More Houston Calculators
Never miss a compliance deadline in Houston
LeaseBase tracks deadlines, generates compliant forms, and documents everything automatically.
Free to explore · No credit card required
Reviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
