Tim Tsang · Independent Ambit Consultant · Texas
Guides for property managers and movers · Last reviewed 2026-10-23
Who has to pay an electricity deposit in Texas?
A deposit can surprise a new tenant during move-in week. Texas rules say who can avoid one, how big it can be, and when it comes back.
Who can skip a deposit
Under Texas rules, a provider may treat a home customer as having good credit, with no deposit needed, if any of these is true:
- They were a customer of any provider or utility in the past two years, aren't behind on that account, and weren't late paying more than once in their last 12 months of service.
- They have a satisfactory credit rating from a credit bureau.
- They're 65 or older and not currently behind on any electric account.
- They're a victim of family violence, shown by a certification letter.
How big a deposit can be
A deposit can't be more than the greater of one-fifth of the estimated yearly bill or the estimated bills for the next two months.
When the deposit comes back
A home customer's deposit is refunded after 12 bills in a row paid with no late payments. For a business account it's 24 in a row. The provider can return it as a credit on the bill.
About Ambit's plans
- Ambit runs a soft credit check to see whether a deposit is needed, and a deposit can often be waived — for example with a letter of credit from your current provider, or ID showing you're 55 or older. If one is required, you can pay it in installments or within 30 days.
Moving someone in?
Look up plans for the new address on Ambit's site, or send your client to me and I'll help them pick a plan.
Or email me: tim@energycostreview.com
Sources
Contact
Email tim@energycostreview.com
Phone (469) 389-1104
Mail 3400 Coit Rd, PO Box 260265, Plano, TX 75026