Texas Tenant Advisor

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The Texas Tenant Advisor is intended to provide general information regarding Texas residential tenancies only.

Unique facts can render some statements inapplicable to a given situation.

We attempt to provide current information; nonetheless, you are urged to consult an attorney for legal advice and assistance.

This web site is a public service of the Texas Low Income Housing Information Service.

Letter Demanding Return of Landlord's Property

The form is ready to be downloaded in the following formats:

(PDF Form: 31 KB / 1 page) or

 (Rich Text Format for word processor: 17 KB / 1 page)

PDF stands for Portable Document Format click the icon above to download and install the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

How to fill in the blanks in the form:

1 The first blank at the top of the form is the Date. Put in the date you are filling out the form.

2 The next blank is Certified Mail Number on the left side of the form. (It costs about $2.50 to send a letter certified, but you will get a card back in the mail that proves the landlord got your letter.) When you are at the post office, they will give a you a green label that you will attach to your envelope. On the label is a certified mail number. Put that number in your notice letter. (You will also have to put that number on the green card you attach to the back of the envelope.) This letter is not required to preserve your rights; however, many landlord will pay attention when they receive a demand letter via certified mail.

3 The landlord's name can be the manager of the complex, the name of the complex, the owner, or the management company. (You have a right to know the name and address of the owner of the property and the management company if there is one.) Also fill in the address.

4 List the property that the landlord took. It does not matter whether the landlord owns the property or not. The landlord cannot take doors, windows, applicances, locks, door knobs, etc., unless it is for a real repair or emergency. A landlord cannot take your front door a work on it for two weeks either -- this is not a real repair. A couple of hours might be reasonable. If a landlord needs to keep your front door longer, the landlord should provide a replacement of some kind. (Landlords sometimes try to take these items to encourage tenants to move out of the premises. The only problem with this strategy is that it is illegal.)

5 Be sure to sign the letter and put your address (in case the landlord is confused about who you are).

6 Make a copy of the form for your records. Landlords often fail to admit they receive anything from tenants.