Tennessee Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Tennessee renters.
Return deadline
30 days
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Return of amount withheld; no fixed statutory multiplier
Governing statute
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301
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Check my Tennessee deadlineTennessee security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Tennessee?
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301, a Tennessee landlord generally has 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if a Tennessee landlord returns the deposit late?
Return of amount withheld; no fixed statutory multiplier. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Tennessee landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Tennessee?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
This summary has not yet been checked against the official statute text. Confirm the current law before relying on it.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.