WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2901

Relating to the maximum amount of a security deposit for a residential lease.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Lauren Simmons

HB 2901 would reduce the maximum security deposit landlords can charge Texas renters, balancing tenant affordability against landlord protections in residential leases.

Referred to Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
#propertyinterests--landlord&tenant(i0610)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2901

Legislative bill overview

HB 2901 would modify Texas law regarding the maximum security deposit landlords can collect from tenants in residential leases. The bill, introduced by Representative Lauren Simmons, is currently in the Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Committee after being read for the first time on March 19, 2025. The specific details of the proposed changes to security deposit limits are not yet publicly available in the filed version.

Why is this important

Security deposit regulations directly affect rental market affordability and access to housing. Changes to maximum deposit amounts impact both tenant entry costs and landlord risk management. This is particularly significant in Texas, where rental markets vary dramatically by region and where current law allows landlords to charge deposits up to one month's rent for unfurnished units and two months' rent for furnished units.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant accessibility vs. landlord protection: Lowering deposit caps could help renters afford housing but may reduce landlords' financial cushion for property damage or unpaid rent, potentially raising rental rates or tightening tenant screening requirements
  • Market variation: A statewide cap may not account for vastly different economic conditions across Texas regions—what works in rural areas may disadvantage landlords in high-cost urban markets
  • Enforcement mechanisms: How existing deposits above any new limit would be handled for current leases remains unclear and could create transitional complications

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.