Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Tennessee, residential landlords can require tenants to pay a security deposit, which serves as a financial safeguard against damages or unpaid rent. Tennessee law does not specify a maximum limit for the amount of the security deposit that a landlord can charge. However, after the termination of the lease, the landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days, according to the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The landlord is allowed to deduct from the security deposit for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and other breaches of the lease agreement. If deductions are made, the landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized list of the damages and the cost of repairs. If the landlord fails to comply with these requirements, the tenant may have the right to recover the security deposit in full, plus potential additional damages.