Nearly every U.S. state, including Texas, sets a strict deadline (typically 14–30 days after move-out) for landlords to either refund your security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. Missing the deadline almost always forfeits the landlord's right to keep any of the deposit.

Your Austin landlord cannot deduct for normal wear — faded paint, minor carpet wear, small nail holes. Only actual damage beyond ordinary use is deductible, and the burden of proof is on the landlord.

If a court finds your landlord acted in bad faith (fabricated deductions, ignored the deadline, refused to itemize), most state statutes allow you to recover up to two or three times the deposit amount, plus the original deposit and court costs.

A formal, statute-citing demand letter signals you know your rights and are prepared to file in small claims court. Most landlords settle within days rather than face a court judgment that becomes part of their public record.