Tennessee Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Tennessee security deposit demand letter that follows Tennessee law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Tennessee law says
| Deposit return deadline | No fixed number of days for returning the deposit. In URLTA counties, if the tenant leaves owing no rent and is due a refund, the landlord must send notice of the refund amount to the tenant's last known or reasonably determinable address. If the tenant does not respond within 60 days of that notice, the landlord may keep the deposit. Move-out inspection: on the move-out day or within 4 calendar days after it. Source: T.C.A. 66-28-301(b)(1)(A), (f) |
|---|---|
| Itemized deductions | Deductions must be supported by a written listing of damages with estimated repair costs. The tenant has the right to inspect: after a request to vacate, or within 5 days of the tenant's notice to vacate, the landlord may notify the tenant of the right to attend the inspection. At a mutual inspection, both parties sign the listing, and their signatures are conclusive evidence that it is accurate. A tenant who refuses to sign must list in writing the items they dispute. The landlord may inspect alone if the tenant left without written notice, abandoned the unit, was judicially removed, did not respond, did not show up, or did not request an inspection. In that case, on the tenant's written request, the landlord must send a copy of the listing by certificate of mailing. The deposit may also be applied to unpaid rent. Source: T.C.A. 66-28-301(b), (e) |
| Penalty for withholding | A landlord who did not keep the deposit in the required separate account AND did not provide the required damage listing may not keep any part of the deposit. A tenant may sue in circuit or general sessions court over the final damage listing, but only for items the tenant specifically disputed in writing. Source: T.C.A. 66-28-301(c), (d) |
| Wear and tear / move-out charges | Not defined by statute. Deposit charges must be based on the tenant's liability for physical damages, supported by a written listing of damages with estimated repair costs; the tenant may attend a move-out inspection, and the signed listing is conclusive except for items the tenant disputes in writing. The deposit may also be applied to unpaid rent and other amounts owed. The statute does not specifically address cleaning, painting or carpet charges. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under T.C.A. 66-28-301(b)(1)(A), (f), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by T.C.A. 66-28-301(c), (d).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.