Property Manager Guide · Updated January 2026
Camden Property Trust manages 60,000+ units — and knows how to hold your deposit. Here's how to get it back.
How to Dispute Camden Property Trust Security Deposit Deductions
Camden Property Trust is one of the largest US property managers, headquartered in Houston, TX. If they've deducted from your security deposit, here's what you can dispute and how.
Camden Property Trust kept your deposit?
Check if their deductions are legal
Common Camden Property Trust Deductions
These are the charges Camden Property Trust most frequently deducts from security deposits. Most are contestable under state law and HUD useful life guidelines.
Carpet replacement
Typical: $500-1,200ContestableHUD MAP Guide 5C: 5-year useful life
Wall painting
Typical: $275-700ContestableHUD Handbook 4350.1: 3-year useful life
Cleaning fee
Typical: $150-375ContestableMust exceed normal cleaning
Pet damage / pet rent forfeiture
Typical: $200-800ContestablePet deposit usually separate from security deposit
Tub / shower re-glazing
Typical: $300-650ContestableHard-water staining is normal wear in most states
Replacement HVAC filters
Typical: $25-75ContestableOften a maintenance cost, not tenant-chargeable
Common Camden Property Trust Tactics to Watch For
- •Combining pet deposit and security deposit deductions to obscure the math
- •Charging tub re-glazing for ordinary hard-water staining
- •Adding "filter replacement" and other maintenance items to the bill
- •Sending the itemized statement only via the resident portal (no mail)
- •Vague "damages — see invoice" line items without an attached invoice
Camden Property Trust counts on tenants not knowing their rights. Every state has specific rules about deposit return deadlines, itemized statements, and normal wear and tear. Upload their deduction letter to see exactly which charges you can fight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camden took my pet deposit AND additional pet damage charges — is that legal?
Usually only one or the other. Pet deposits are meant to cover pet damage. Charging both is often considered double-dipping. Check your lease for the exact pet fee structure and dispute any duplicate charges.
How long does Camden have to return my deposit in Texas?
In Texas, landlords must return the deposit (or itemized statement) within 30 days of move-out. Texas Property Code §92.109 allows tenants to recover three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus $100 and reasonable attorney fees.
Camden charged me for tub re-glazing — can I dispute this?
Yes. Hard-water staining and minor surface wear on a bathtub are considered normal wear in most states. Re-glazing is a capital improvement, not a tenant-caused repair, unless you actually damaged the tub.
Camden never mailed me my deposit statement — does the portal count?
Usually no. Most state statutes require written notice "delivered" or "mailed" to the tenant's forwarding address. A portal posting is generally not sufficient. Demand a mailed copy and start the deadline clock from there.
What if Camden's charge exceeds my deposit?
They can attempt to bill you for the difference and send it to collections, but you can still dispute. Send a written dispute, request all supporting documentation, and file a small claims case if they pursue collections.
Don't let Camden Property Trust keep your money
Get Your Camden Property Trust Demand Letter Now
Upload your deduction letter. Our tool cites your state's laws and HUD useful-life guidelines to generate a professional demand letter you can send today.
Based on state landlord-tenant law · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527