What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in Tennessee?

Small claims court in Tennessee handles disputes up to $25,000 (General Sessions).

Tennessee security deposit law

Q: How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 30 days of move-out. Tennessee sets no strict statutory return deadline — 30 days reflects common practice. The landlord must account for the deposit, and you may need to make a written demand. Verify the current process.

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

30 days

Tennessee sets no strict statutory return deadline — 30 days reflects common practice. The landlord must account for the deposit, and you may need to make a written demand. Verify the current process.

Small claims limit

$25,000 (General Sessions)

What you need to know

• Tennessee has no firm statutory return deadline — the landlord must account for the deposit and you may need to demand it in writing.
• Your deposit must be held in a separate account.

Itemization: Landlord must give notice of deductions; deposit must be held in a separate account.

Interest: No interest required.

Deposit cap: No statutory cap.

If they wrongfully withhold: A landlord who fails to comply may forfeit the right to withhold.

Statute: Tenn. Code § 66-28-301

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: Tennessee landlords must act within 30 days of move-out. Tennessee sets no strict statutory return deadline — 30 days reflects common practice. The landlord must account for the deposit, and you may need to make a written demand. Verify the current process.

⚖️ Your leverage: A landlord who fails to comply may forfeit the right to withhold.

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in Tennessee handles up to $25,000 (General Sessions) — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

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⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

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DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.