TN · Security Deposit Law

Security deposit laws in Tennessee

60 days for unclaimed deposit.

Return deadline

60 days

Itemization required

Yes

Bad-faith multiplier

What to do if your Tennessee landlord won't return your deposit

  • Confirm the 60-day window has passed since you provided a forwarding address.
  • Document the unit's move-out condition with photos and any walk-through notes.
  • Send a formal demand letter citing Tennessee's deposit return deadline and statutory damages.
  • If the landlord ignores your demand, file in small claims court — Tennessee allows up to 1x damages for wrongful withholding.
Generate a Tennessee demand letter