Tennessee landlords have 30 days to return your security deposit. Learn what happens if they miss the deadline and how to recover what you're owed.
Analyze My Tennessee Claim (Free)Law verified March 11, 2026
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Check My DepositUnder Tenn. Code Ann. §66-28-301, your Tennessee landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit from the date you move out. This deadline applies regardless of whether your landlord believes deductions are owed. If they want to make deductions, they must still respond within this window with an itemized written statement.
The 30-day clock starts on your move-out date.
Note: Tennessee's deposit return rules have some case-by-case complexity. The deadline and penalty rules above represent the general standard under Tenn. Code Ann. §66-28-301, but specific circumstances, such as disputed move-out dates, lease terms, or property type, may affect your claim. Our free analysis accounts for these variables.
Deadline
Under Tenn. Code Ann. §66-28-301, your Tennessee landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit from the date you move out. This deadline applies regardless of whether your landlord believes deductions are owed. If they want to make deductions, they must still respond within this window with an itemized written statement.
The 30-day clock starts on your move-out date.
Complexity note: Note: Tennessee's deposit return rules have some case-by-case complexity. The deadline and penalty rules above represent the general standard under Tenn. Code Ann. §66-28-301, but specific circumstances, such as disputed move-out dates, lease terms, or property type, may affect your claim. Our free analysis accounts for these variables.
A landlord who misses the 30-day deadline loses their ability to justify withholding funds. You can recover the full deposit in Tennessee small claims court (up to $25,000) without a penalty multiplier, but recovery of the full amount is a strong outcome.
The statute of limitations to file a claim in Tennessee is 6 years from the date of the violation. Do not delay. Document everything and act promptly.
Questions
Your Tennessee landlord has 30 days after your move-out date to return your security deposit along with an itemized statement of any deductions. This deadline is set by Tenn. Code Ann. §66-28-301.
If your landlord misses the 30-day deadline, you can sue in Tennessee small claims court (up to $25,000) to recover your full deposit plus court costs. While Tennessee doesn't impose a penalty multiplier, the threat of court often motivates compliance.
No. Tennessee law under Tenn. Code Ann. §66-28-301 explicitly prohibits landlords from deducting for normal wear and tear. This includes faded paint, minor scuffs, small nail holes, and carpet thinning from regular use. Deductions must be for actual damage beyond what normal living causes.
The 30-day clock starts on your move-out date under Tenn. Code Ann. §66-28-301. Your landlord must return the full deposit or a partial amount with an itemized statement within this window.
The 30-day deadline under Tenn. Code Ann. §66-28-301 is generally calculated as calendar days, including weekends and holidays. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, some courts may extend to the next business day, but it is safest to treat the deadline as calendar days.
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