Travis County, Texas: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Justice of the Peace Court (Precinct courts) - Small Claims/Civil Suits in Austin. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: ~$101 total (filing + service) for one defendant. Claims up to $20,000. Texas return time: 30 days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,770. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Justice of the Peace Court (Precinct courts) - Small Claims/Civil Suits |
|---|---|
| City | Austin |
| County filing fee | ~$101 total (filing + service) for one defendant |
| 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 Court (Precinct courts) - Small Claims/Civil Suits. 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 Travis 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: ~$101 total (filing + service) for one defendant
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 Travis 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 | $1,463 | $4,489 | $5,952 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,770 | $5,410 | $7,180 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $2,129 | $6,487 | $8,616 | Fits under the $20,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $2,426 | $7,378 | $9,804 | 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 Travis County compare with other Texas counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,770: rank 3 of 233 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 47% of households rent in Travis County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Collin County | $1,875 |
| Rockwall County | $1,797 |
| Travis County | $1,770 |
| Williamson County | $1,713 |
| Denton County | $1,707 |
| Fort Bend County | $1,662 |
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 Travis County
- Austin
- Bee Cave
- Briarcliff
- Cedar Park
- Creedmoor
- Elgin
- Jonestown
- Lago Vista
- Lakeway
- Leander
- Manor
- Mustang Ridge
- Pflugerville
- Point Venture
- Rollingwood
- Round Rock
- San Leanna
- Sunset Valley
- The Hills
- Volente
- Webberville
- West Lake Hills
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
- Texas RioGrande Legal Aid: Free civil legal advice and representation for eligible low-income residents, including eviction defense and subsidized-housing matters.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Travis County?
County filing fee: ~$101 total (filing + service) for one defendant.
Where do I file a deposit claim in Travis County?
Justice of the Peace Court (Precinct courts) - Small Claims/Civil Suits 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.