Oak Ridge, TN Security Deposit Laws 2026
Tennessee limits security deposits to 2 month(s) of rent. In Oak Ridge, that's $2,942 at the median 2BR rent of $1,471/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $2,942+.
In Tennessee, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $2,942 or more.
Key Takeaways — Oak Ridge Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month(s) of rent = $2,942 at Oak Ridge's median rent
- Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($2,942)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in Oak Ridge
Under Tennessee law, landlords in Oak Ridge may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month(s) of rent. At Oak Ridge's median 2-bedroom rent of $1,471/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $2,942.
$2,942
max deposit (2mo × $1,471)
30 days
return deadline
$2,942
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Oak Ridge rental, Tennessee law gives you exactly 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in Oak Ridge:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate Tennessee security deposit laws rules in Oak Ridge and you could owe $2,942+. At Oak Ridge's median rent of $1,471/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Don’t risk it. Let LeaseBase handle the compliance.
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How Oak Ridge Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Oak Ridge landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Oak Ridge) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,177/mo | $2,354 | $4,708 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,184/mo | $2,368 | $4,736 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,471/mo | $2,942 | $5,884 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,864/mo | $3,728 | $7,456 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Anderson County.
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More Oak Ridge Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
