Rutledge, TN Security Deposit Laws 2026
Tennessee limits security deposits to 2 month's rent. In Rutledge, that's $1,882 at the median 2BR rent of $941/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $1,882+.
In Tennessee, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month's rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $1,882 or more.
Key Takeaways — Rutledge Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month's rent = $1,882 at Rutledge's median rent
- Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($1,882)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Wondering whether these compliance requirements are worth handling yourself? See what property managers charge vs. self-managing.
Don’t risk it. Let LeaseBase handle the compliance.
LeaseBase automatically tracks deposit amounts, calculates return deadlines, and generates compliant itemized statements — so you never miss a deadline.
Track Deposit Deadlines FreeFree to explore · No credit card required · Trusted by 1,200+ landlords · See pricing
Security Deposit Laws in Rutledge
Under Tennessee law, landlords in Rutledge may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month's rent. At Rutledge's median 2-bedroom rent of $941/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $1,882.
$1,882
max deposit (2mo × $941)
30 days
return deadline
$1,882
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Rutledge 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.
LeaseBase tracks this 30-day deadline automatically for each of your Rutledge properties.
Start free →What you can deduct from a security deposit in Rutledge:
- 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 Rutledge and you could owe $1,882+. At Rutledge's median rent of $941/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Software that tracks Tennessee security deposit laws deadlines →
LeaseBase calculates deposit limits and tracks return deadlines for each property — so you never trigger penalties.
Start free →How Rutledge Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Rutledge landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Rutledge) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $712/mo | $1,424 | $2,848 |
| 1-Bedroom | $717/mo | $1,434 | $2,868 |
| 2-Bedroom | $941/mo | $1,882 | $3,764 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,241/mo | $2,482 | $4,964 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Grainger County.
Calculate Your Limits
Enter your Rutledge rent amount to see exact limits and penalty exposure.
Free Calculator →No signup required. · PM cost calculator
More Rutledge Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
Need software to track these rules? See the best property management software for Rutledge →
Best software for Tennessee landlords · Free Tennessee lease agreement
Track Rutledge Compliance Automatically
LeaseBase monitors Tennessee landlord-tenant laws and alerts you before deadlines.
Never miss a security deposit laws deadline in Rutledge
LeaseBase tracks deposit amounts, calculates return deadlines, and generates compliant itemized statements automatically.
Free to explore · No credit card required
Not ready to start? Get the free Security Deposit Laws checklist for Tennessee landlords.
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.
