What is URLTA in Tennessee?
URLTA stands for the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. In Tennessee, the main covered residential security-deposit process is part of that framework.
Does URLTA apply everywhere in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee URLTA is not statewide universal. Tenn. Code Ann. section 66-28-102 says Chapter 28 applies only in counties with more than 75,000 people according to the 2010 federal census.
County coverage is the first leverage point. If the covered URLTA process applies, the landlord's account record, inspection, damage list, refund notice, address proof, and written-notice record can matter.
How do I know if my county is covered?
Check the county where the rental is located. A practical list derived from the statutory threshold and 2010 county population data is: Anderson, Blount, Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Maury, Montgomery, Rutherford, Sevier, Shelby, Sullivan, Sumner, Washington, Williamson, and Wilson.
This is a practical public list, not a separate official statewide URLTA registry. Verify locally if coverage matters to your case.
Is Tennessee a simple 30-day or 60-day deposit state?
No. Tennessee is process-based. Where the covered URLTA deposit rule applies, the separate account, account-location disclosure, inspection, damage list, written disagreement, refund notice, and 60-day response window can matter.
The 60-day branch is not a universal refund deadline.
What if my landlord did not follow the account, inspection, or damage-list rules?
If the covered Tennessee URLTA deposit process applies, those facts can be important. Keep the claim tied to proof: account-location disclosure, inspection notice, damage list, written disagreement, refund notice, address record, and amount owed.
Do I need to give written notice before pushing remedies?
For court-focused escalation, written notice matters. Tenn. Code Ann. section 66-28-501 includes a 14-day written-notice issue for certain landlord-noncompliance remedies. Keep a copy and delivery proof.
What if URLTA does not apply where I rented?
Do not assume the full section 66-28-301 deposit process controls the dispute in the same way. That does not mean you have no rights. It means the lease, other Tennessee law, local practice, and the facts may matter more.
What should I do first?
Start with proof:
- rental county
- lease and deposit amount
- move-out date
- key and possession return
- current mailing address
- inspection records
- photos
- damage list
- written disagreement with deductions
- refund notice or envelope
Then send a clear written demand.
Use the system if you want the Tennessee letters organized around county coverage, process proof, written demand, and final notice.
Get the Deposit Recovery SystemRelated Tennessee guides
- Tennessee security deposit law
- Tennessee deadline guide
- Tennessee demand letter
- Tennessee evidence checklist
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.