Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Texas
I am relocating to Fort Worth, TX and one of the properties I am interested in renting has a $1000.00 security deposit. The landlord claims that only half of that amount will be refunded upon vacating the property. I ask why and here is her response to me: "After every tenant, regardless of how good the care, there is general maintenance that has to be done. Example � rekeying the locks, paint the walls, re-carpet (if applicable), and carry over costs (we generally don�t get the property rented out for that last month sense the previous tenant is moving out so we have to fund electric, heat & air, trash, etc."
If there is no damage to the property, should she be allowed to withold half of my deposit?
Sincerely,
John
1 Answer from Attorneys
As long as you agree to the terms in writing, it is legal.