Tennant Suing for Deposit (TX)

[Jack Wang]

Tennant of 2 years did final walk-through with landlord in person, noted various issues like fridge/oven/microwave cleaning & one missing garage key. Some burnt out light bulbs, dirty unchanged air filter, dust/hair on windowsills, one bedroom door lose, and missing undercounter light cap cover. 

Landlord does cleaning, repairs, painting, replacing light bulbs/air filters/keys, etc. Spends about $1500 to make-ready for next tennant. 

Tennant is having disagreements with landlord over deductions of deposit. Original deposit was $1800, of which $340 was returned. Took just over 60 days for landlord to return deposit. Tennant reaches out complaining, as he was expecting $1000+, requesting at least half of deposit. Landlord offers an additional $250. Tennant is not happy, does research and finds that because it's over 30 days, Texas law states he could be owed 3x deposit + legal fees. Tennant sends demand letter for 2x deposit threatening to sue in small claims. Landlord is now offering an additional $700, which is what the tenant originally requested, but tenant is refusing and now wants minimum full deposit back.

What should the landlord do in this situation?