Harris County, Texas: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Justice of the Peace (JP) Court, Precinct Civil Division - Small Claims Case in Houston. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: $54 base filing fee (plus separate service-of-process fee, ~$75). Claims up to $20,000. Texas return time: 30 days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,371. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Justice of the Peace (JP) Court, Precinct Civil Division - Small Claims Case |
|---|---|
| City | Houston |
| County filing fee | $54 base filing fee (plus separate service-of-process fee, ~$75) |
| E-filing | Yes, see filing page |
| Small claims limit | $20,000 (statewide) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 4 years |
| Deposit statute | Tex. Prop. Code §§92.101-92.109 (Subchapter C) |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $20,000 (statewide).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | the date the tenant surrenders the premises (possession) |
Texas return rule: 30 days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Justice of the Peace (JP) Court, Precinct Civil Division - Small Claims Case. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Harris County.
- The Texas business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Texas Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
Listed filing or service charges: $54 base filing fee (plus separate service-of-process fee, ~$75)
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the Texas filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: constable or sheriff; private process server.
Procedure source (medium confidence): A party may appeal a judgment by filing a bond, making a cash deposit, or filing a sworn Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs with the justice court within 21 days after the judgment is signed
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Harris County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,153 | $3,559 | $4,712 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,371 | $4,213 | $5,584 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,699 | $5,197 | $6,896 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $2,080 | $6,340 | $8,420 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Harris County compare with other Texas counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,371: rank 16 of 233 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 45.2% of households rent in Harris County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Galveston County | $1,382 |
| Gillespie County | $1,374 |
| Harris County | $1,371 |
| Ellis County | $1,355 |
| Bexar County | $1,335 |
| Brazoria County | $1,335 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 233 of 254 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Harris County
- Baytown
- Bellaire
- Bunker Hill Village
- Deer Park
- El Lago
- Friendswood
- Galena Park
- Hedwig Village
- Hilshire Village
- Houston
- Humble
- Hunters Creek Village
- Jacinto City
- Jersey Village
- Katy
- La Porte
- League City
- Missouri City
- Morgan's Point
- Nassau Bay
- Pasadena
- Pearland
- Piney Point Village
- Seabrook
- Shoreacres
And 9 more.
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Lone Star Legal Aid: Free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents, including tenant housing problems. The Conroe, Galveston and Richmond offices have closed, but their counties remain served through online intake and the listed phone.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Harris County?
County filing fee: $54 base filing fee (plus separate service-of-process fee, ~$75).
Where do I file a deposit claim in Harris County?
Justice of the Peace (JP) Court, Precinct Civil Division - Small Claims Case is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.