I assume from the info in your post that there were damages to the property (either real or not) that the landlord sued for and received a judgment OR you were evicted and the landlord sued and obtained a judgment.
This is why the apartment complex is interested in the Satisfaction of the Judgment. It shows past behavior. Granted it was a long time ago so that is good for you in your negotations with the judgment holder. You do not want to mention that it is standing in the way of you renting a place as they will hold your feet to the fire and not negotiate at all. You can negotiate it and have the current judgment holder record a Satisfaction in the county where you live.
Before you negotiate it, see if there is any way you can void the Judgement through the court system. You will need to look up your state's statues or contact a consumer attorney that knows what he is doing to see what options you have available to you in Tenn.
