Tennessee Security Deposit Limit
no statutory limitTennessee has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits — the amount is a matter of contract between you and the landlord. That makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our Tennessee law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Tennessee compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Tennessee compares with other states in our database.
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Tennessee?
- Tennessee sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Tennessee is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. No statutory limit on deposit amount. Must be held in separate account at Tennessee bank. Landlord must disclose bank name/address at lease signing. Return within 30 days (7 days if new tenant moves in). Unclaimed deposits: landlord may keep after 60 days if tenant does not respond.
- Does Tennessee require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Tennessee does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Tennessee?
- Tennessee landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Tennessee Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Tennessee law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Tennessee lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee for your specific situation.