How Much Is an Apartment Security Deposit?
What's typical, what Texas law actually guarantees you, and our exact numbers.
Updated August 28, 2026
The short answer
Apartment security deposits typically run from a few hundred dollars up to one month's rent — Texas sets no legal cap, so each property decides. At Cranbrook Forest the deposit is $400 for a 1-bedroom and $500 for a 2-bedroom. For conditional approvals (credit score 550–600) it doubles to $800/$1,000. Texas law requires it back within 30 days of move-out, minus only itemized damage and unpaid charges — never normal wear and tear.
What a deposit is actually for
The deposit isn't extra rent — it's collateral the property holds against two things: damage beyond normal wear, and money owed when you leave (unpaid rent, fees, or breaking the lease). Move out with the home in good shape and your account settled, and the deposit comes back. In Texas that refund is a legal right with a deadline: 30 days, with written itemization of anything withheld, as long as you've given your forwarding address in writing.
Protect yourself the boring way: photograph the unit on move-in day, note existing issues on the inventory form, and photograph again when you hand back the keys. Five minutes of photos settles almost every deposit disagreement before it starts.
Our numbers, published
Deposits here are flat and published: $400 on 1-bedrooms and townhomes, $500 on 2-bedrooms — against rents of $699–$1,179/mo. If your credit lands in the 550–600 window, approval comes with a doubled deposit instead of a rejection — the trade is explained in our conditional approval guide. Add the non-refundable application fee and first month's rent, and you can estimate your real move-in cost from our published criteria — no surprises at the leasing desk. Current move-in specials can lower that first check further.
Common Questions
- How much is a typical apartment security deposit?
- Commonly between a few hundred dollars and one month's rent, and Texas law sets no cap — it's the property's call. At Cranbrook Forest it's a flat $400 for 1-bedrooms and $500 for 2-bedrooms, which doubles to $800/$1,000 for conditional approvals (credit scores 550–600).
- When do I get my security deposit back in Texas?
- Texas law (Property Code Chapter 92) requires the landlord to refund your deposit within 30 days after you move out, provided you gave a forwarding address. Deductions must be itemized in writing, and normal wear and tear can't be deducted.
- Is a security deposit the same as an application fee?
- No. The application fee pays for screening and is non-refundable everywhere. The security deposit is held against damage and unpaid rent, and is refundable when you move out in good standing.
- What's the difference between normal wear and damage?
- Wear is what living causes: faded paint, worn carpet paths, small nail holes. Damage is what accidents and neglect cause: broken blinds, large holes, stains, unreturned keys. In Texas, landlords may only deduct for damage and unpaid charges — never for normal wear and tear.
Move-In Costs You Can Do in Your Head.
$400–$500 deposits, rent from $699. Tour Mon–Sat and get the full number.
Mon–Fri 8:30AM–5:30PM | Sat 10AM–5PM