All guides/Deposits and fees

TEXAS LANDLORD GUIDE

Can a Texas tenant use the deposit as last month’s rent?

Texas §92.108 generally bars a tenant from substituting the security deposit for the final month of rent, with a limited statutory exception.

Short answer

Texas §92.108 generally bars a tenant from substituting the security deposit for the final month of rent, with a limited statutory exception.

What to do next

Keep rent and deposit ledgers separate and review the statutory exception before communicating a categorical answer.

KEEP A CLEAR RECORD

Save the current lease, dated messages, receipts and any property-specific evidence together. A useful record shows what happened, when it happened and which document or rule you relied on.

Check the source

Rules may change and the right answer can depend on the home, city, lease and timing. Review the current official material before signing, charging a fee, sending a notice or making a legal decision.

Texas Property Code, Chapter 92

Put it into your workflow

A repeatable process turns a one-time answer into a reliable rental record. Capture the action in your property file, assign a follow-up date if needed and make sure any tenant communication matches the signed agreement.

Practical next step

Keep rent and deposit ledgers separate and review the statutory exception before communicating a categorical answer.

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.