TN · Security Deposit Law
Security deposit laws in Tennessee
60 days for unclaimed deposit.
Return deadline
60 days
Itemization required
Yes
Bad-faith multiplier
1×
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.