Lease Snipe

Tennessee Deposit Return Deadline

30 days

Under Tennessee law, a landlord generally has 30 days after move-out to return your security deposit (or provide an itemized statement of deductions) — the FAQ below covers the conditions that can change the deadline.

Educational information: generated from our Tennessee law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How Tennessee compares

51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how Tennessee compares with other states in our database.

StateDeposit Return Deadline
Tennessee30 days
Texas30 days
Utah30 days
Vermont14 days (60 for seasonal rentals)
Virginia45–60 days

Frequently asked questions

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Tennessee?
Generally 30 days after move-out. 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.
Can a Tennessee landlord keep my deposit for damages?
Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
What if my Tennessee landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
Missing the statutory deadline (30 days) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. 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.

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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.