Bill Dispute Rights in Texas

Know your consumer rights in Texas. Whether you are disputing a medical bill, an HOA fine, a utility overcharge, an insurance denial, a credit card charge, a collection notice, or a wrongful security deposit deduction, Texas law gives you specific protections, deadlines, and complaint channels. This guide covers the Texas agencies, statutes, and exact steps to contest a bill and protect your money.

Texas Attorney General — Consumer Protection

Most consumer bill disputes in Texas can be escalated to the state Attorney General's consumer protection division if a company refuses to cooperate.
Texas Attorney General
Website: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov
Consumer protection line: 1-800-621-0508

Security Deposit Return Deadline in Texas

In Texas, a landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after move-out. Missing this deadline often forfeits the landlord's right to keep any portion of the deposit, and many Texas tenants recover additional statutory damages for bad-faith withholding.

Texas HOA Law

HOA fines and assessments in Texas are governed by the Texas Property Code Chapter 209 (HOA) and Chapter 204 (POA). This law generally requires written notice, an opportunity to be heard, and documented evidence before a fine becomes enforceable.

Texas Utility Regulator

Utility billing disputes in Texas fall under the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) — puc.texas.gov. Your utility generally cannot disconnect service while a formal billing complaint is pending with the regulator.

Key Texas Consumer Statutes

• Security Deposit: Property Code §92.103 — 30 days to return; 3x penalty for bad-faith retention
• HOA Disputes: Property Code §209.007 — right to hearing before fine; 10-day notice required
• Medical Billing: Insurance Code §1467 — surprise billing protections for in-network facilities
• Debt Collection: Texas Debt Collection Act (Finance Code §392) — mirrors and extends FDCPA
• Utility: PUC oversight; LITE-UP Texas assistance program for low-income customers

How to Dispute a Bill in Texas

1. Gather your documentation — the bill or notice, any prior correspondence, and proof of payment.
2. Identify the specific error or legal ground for your dispute using the Texas statutes below.
3. Send a written dispute letter by certified mail so you have a dated record of your submission.
4. Cite the relevant Texas statute and clearly state the resolution you are requesting.
5. If the company does not respond or refuses, escalate to the Texas Attorney General or the appropriate Texas regulator.

What to Include in Your Texas Dispute Letter

• Your full name, address, and account or notice number
• A clear statement that you are disputing the charge and why
• The specific Texas law or statute that supports your position
• Copies (never originals) of any supporting evidence
• A deadline for the company to respond, usually 30 days

Texas Frequently Asked Questions