Nashville Security Deposit Rules for Landlords

Housing and Building Standards Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

Nashville, Tennessee landlords must follow state and local rules when taking, holding, and returning security deposits. This guide explains practical steps, common requirements, enforcement channels and how Metro and state authorities typically handle disputes. It focuses on compliance, documentation, and how to respond to tenant complaints so landlords can reduce legal risk and tenants can understand their rights.

What landlords must do

Best practices for handling security deposits include creating a written lease clause, issuing a receipt for the deposit, holding funds separate from personal accounts, and documenting the unit condition with dated photos or a checklist at move-in and move-out. When deductions are made, provide a clear, itemized list and keep repair receipts and records.

Keep clear move-in and move-out records to avoid disputes.

Penalties & Enforcement

City code violations for property maintenance or unlawful withholding of deposits may be enforced by Metropolitan Code Compliance or other Metro offices; landlord-tenant contract disputes are commonly resolved in Davidson County trial courts. Specific monetary fines for security-deposit violations are not specified on the cited pages below; consult the enforcing office for precise penalties and civil remedies. Administrative remedies and civil claims may both apply depending on the violation.

  • Enforcer: Metro Code Compliance for municipal code violations; Davidson County courts for contract and recovery claims.
  • Inspections: Code inspectors investigate maintenance or habitability complaints; courts consider deposit withholding disputes.
  • Appeals: Administrative appeal routes exist for code orders; court appeals follow state civil procedure—time limits and procedures are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Fines and civil awards: Specific amounts and escalation for first/repeat offences are not specified on the cited pages; some remedies may include return of deposit, damages, and court costs.
If a statute or municipal code section is needed, request the exact citation from Metro Code Compliance or a court clerk.

Applications & Forms

There is no single, city-issued "security deposit" form published by Metro for returns; landlords generally use the lease and an itemized deduction statement. For code complaints or to request an inspection, Metro provides online complaint forms and permitting/licensing forms for rental business registration where required.

If no official form is published for a specific action, use documented receipts and written notices and keep copies.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Failing to provide an itemized deductions list: often leads to administrative complaints and civil claims for return of deposit.
  • Commingling deposit funds with personal accounts: may be cited in enforcement actions or used as evidence in court.
  • Failure to maintain habitability (leading to repair deductions): may trigger code orders and tenant claims if deductions are improper.

Action steps for landlords

  • Create a written lease clause describing the deposit amount, purpose, and procedure for return.
  • Document unit condition with dated photos and a signed move-in checklist.
  • Respond promptly in writing to tenant requests about the deposit and keep records of communication.
  • If a complaint arises, contact Metro Code Compliance or seek civil recovery through Davidson County courts.
Timely, written communication and documentation resolve most deposit disputes without litigation.

FAQ

Can a Nashville landlord require a security deposit?
Yes; landlords may require a security deposit as part of the lease, subject to state law and any applicable local ordinances.
Must landlords return security deposits automatically?
Landlords should follow required procedures for return and provide itemized deductions when applicable; exact statutory timeframes are not specified on the cited pages in this guide.
Where do tenants file complaints about withheld deposits?
Tenants may file a complaint with Metro Code Compliance for related code issues or pursue a civil claim in Davidson County courts for recovery.

How-To

  1. Document condition: take dated photos and complete a signed move-in checklist with the tenant.
  2. Issue receipts: provide a written receipt when the deposit is taken and record where it is held.
  3. Communicate in writing: notify the tenant in writing of any proposed deductions with an itemized list and copies of receipts.
  4. Use official complaint routes: if unresolved, file a complaint with Metro Code Compliance or seek recovery through Davidson County courts.

Key Takeaways

  • Keep detailed, dated documentation at move-in and move-out.
  • Provide written receipts and itemized deduction lists when withholding funds.
  • Use Metro Code Compliance and Davidson County courts for enforcement and dispute resolution.

Help and Support / Resources

    Categories

    General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data