Tennessee Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Tenn. Code §66-28-301 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and tenant vacating.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages under Tenn. Code §66-28-301.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $25,000
Additional Protections
- Deposit must be held in a separate account in a Tennessee bank
- Landlord must provide itemized statement of deductions
What Your Tennessee Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Tennessee's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Tenn. Code §66-28-301 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
tenant may recover actual damages — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Tennessee Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Tennessee?
Under Tenn. Code §66-28-301, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and tenant vacating to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Tennessee landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages under Tenn. Code §66-28-301. You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Tennessee?
Under Tenn. Code §66-28-301, the maximum security deposit in Tennessee is no statutory limit.
Does my Tennessee landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Tennessee law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee small claims court handles cases up to $25,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Tennessee?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Tennessee-specific demand letter citing Tenn. Code §66-28-301 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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