Collect the tenant’s forwarding address in writing at or before the key handover, on a one-line form the tenant signs, because in Texas the address is what obliges the landlord to act: Property Code §92.107 suspends the duty to refund the deposit or itemise deductions “until the tenant gives the landlord a written statement of the tenant’s forwarding address.” The tenant does not forfeit the deposit by failing to give one, so the landlord’s interest is in obtaining it promptly — it starts the 30-day clock, fixes where the accounting is mailed, and settles where any later notice goes.
The form
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Tenant name(s) | As on the lease |
| Property | Address and unit |
| Surrender date | Date keys returned |
| Forwarding address | Street, city, state, ZIP — and an e-mail if §92.113 applies |
| Purpose | “For the purpose of refunding the security deposit under Texas Property Code §92.107” |
| Signature and date | Tenant; landlord’s acknowledgment of receipt with date |
Three moments to ask
- In the move-out instructions sent when notice is given or received: “please return the attached forwarding-address form by [date].”
- At the key handover: the form is on the clipboard with the key receipt.
- After surrender, if still missing: a written request to the last e-mail and phone, kept in the file; hold the deposit ready.
Since September 1, 2025, §92.113 permits deposit-related notices and communications by e-mail where the parties have previously communicated that way, and lets the landlord designate the address to use. Record the tenant’s e-mail on the form and send the accounting both ways — postmark for the §92.1041 presumption, e-mail for speed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the landlord obliged to refund a deposit without a forwarding address?
The obligation is suspended until the tenant gives a written forwarding address; the tenant does not forfeit the deposit by failing to give one (Property Code §92.107).
Can the forwarding address be sent by e-mail?
Yes, where landlord and tenant have previously communicated by e-mail, under §92.113 (Property Code §92.113).
What if the tenant gives the address weeks after leaving?
The 30-day refund period is measured from surrender, but the landlord is not obligated until the address arrives; in practice, account within 30 days of receiving it and keep the postmark (Property Code §§92.103, 92.107, 92.1041).
Sources
Rules change and the right answer can depend on the home, the city, the lease and the timing. These are the official pages this guide relies on; check them before signing, charging a fee, sending a notice or making a legal decision.
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 — Residential Tenancies ↗
- Texas State Law Library — Landlord/Tenant Law research guide ↗
- Texas State Law Library — Moving out ↗
General information for U.S. landlords, with a Texas focus. This guide is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Consult a qualified professional for your situation. Written by the rentalfreelease.com Editorial Team; last reviewed September 19, 2026.