Jeff Davis County, Texas: Small Claims for a Security Deposit
Limits: $20,000 (statewide). Court: Jeff Davis County Justice Court - Countywide.
Filing facts
| State small claims limits | $20,000 (statewide) |
|---|---|
| Statewide filing fee | Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. State court directory |
| E-filing | Not verified |
| Time limit to sue in Texas | 4 years. |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Penalty formula | $100 + 3x the portion wrongfully withheld + reasonable attorney's fees when landlord acts in bad faith; bad faith is presumed if landlord fails to refund or itemize within 30 days (Tex. Prop. Code §92.109). Bad faith required: Yes. |
| Deposit statute | Tex. Prop. Code §§92.101-92.109 (Subchapter C) |
Where to file
Jeff Davis County Justice Court - Countywide
Courthouse city: Fort Davis
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 checked 2026-09-20
See how to file in Texas for the state filing procedure.
Rent and deposits in Jeff Davis County
County median gross rent: $1,314 per month.
| Bedrooms | Monthly rent |
|---|---|
| 3 bedrooms | $1,151 |
Rent estimates for the other bedroom sizes were suppressed or not published by the Census Bureau.
State legal maximum deposit in Texas: No statutory limit on residential security deposits in Texas.
Total households in Jeff Davis County: 847.
Renter households: 86 (10.2% of all households).
County rent and household source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070. Accessed .
Will my deposit claim fit the limit?
Using the county Census figure: median gross rent for Jeff Davis County, $1,314 per month.
A deposit of one to two months at that rent would range from $1,314 to $2,628. This is an example, not a legal deposit cap.
The deposit range does not include penalties, interest, or other amounts you may claim.
- Compared with $20,000 (statewide), the whole deposit range fits.
A claim above the applicable limit must either be reduced to that limit or go to a different court.
Towns this court serves
A deposit claim is usually filed where the property sits or where the landlord is.
- Valentine
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file.
Free help in Jeff Davis County
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
Free civil legal advice and representation for eligible low-income residents, including eviction defense and subsidized-housing matters.
Phone: (833) 329-8752
These are independent organisations, not DemandLetterLab.
From letter to filing
- Send a Texas security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records. Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 14 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in Texas: 4 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
This template uses Texas law. Your county decides where you file, not which law applies.
Free Texas template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Texas law (Tex. Prop. Code §§92.101-92.109), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 30 days after the date the tenant surrenders the premises (possession).
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Jeff Davis County?
Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. State court directory
How long do I have to sue?
Time limit to sue in Texas: 4 years.
Where do I file?
Jeff Davis County Justice Court - Countywide. Courthouse city: Fort Davis. Check the court's instructions for the right filing location.