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Tennessee Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | No fixed return deadline. The statute applies only in counties over 75,000 population (2010 census). The landlord sends written notice of any refund; if the tenant doesn't respond within 60 days, the landlord may keep it. |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | No cap |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | Forfeiture if the deposit wasn't held in a separate account and documented as required |
| Statute | Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 |
Tennessee's statute applies only in counties with more than 75,000 people (2010 census). Where it applies, the landlord must keep the deposit in a separate account and give the tenant an itemized list of damages.
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What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Tennessee?
No fixed return deadline. The statute applies only in counties over 75,000 population (2010 census). The landlord sends written notice of any refund; if the tenant doesn't respond within 60 days, the landlord may keep it. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301)
What is the maximum security deposit in Tennessee?
Tennessee law sets no maximum security deposit.
What happens if a Tennessee landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Tennessee: forfeiture if the deposit wasn't held in a separate account and documented as required. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of Tenn. Code § 66-28-301, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.