Tennessee Security Deposit Laws

Tennessee does not cap security deposits but requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days (or up to 60 days if there is a damage claim) with a written itemized statement of deductions.

Key Rules

Limit
No statutory maximum
Return Deadline
30 days (or 60 days if damage claim) after termination of tenancy
Itemization Required
Yes โ€” written itemized statement required within 30 days
Interest Required
No statewide requirement
Bad Faith Penalty
Tenant may recover deposit amount plus attorney's fees for bad-faith withholding

Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.

Applicable Statutes

Tenn. Code Ann. ยง 66-28-301

Security deposit: no statutory cap on amount. Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after tenancy ends (or within 60 days if damage claim). Must provide written itemized statement of deductions.

Not confirmed against its source · checked

Legal Aid Resources

Read the Full Security Deposit Laws Guide

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