Landlord Tenant Laws in Tennessee (TN)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Tennessee's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Tenn. Code § 66-28-101 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of D (Landlord-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Tennessee follows the URLTA with modifications. No deposit cap and no rent withholding or repair-and-deduct remedies. Late fees capped at 10% of overdue amount. Landlord must provide a move-in inspection.
Security Deposit Rules in Tennessee
Tennessee does not impose a statutory cap on security deposits, meaning landlords can charge any amount they choose. However, excessively high deposits may discourage prospective tenants and could be challenged in court as unconscionable. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Tennessee
In Tennessee, a landlord must provide 14 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is one of the longer notice periods nationally, giving tenants meaningful time to pay overdue rent or find alternative housing. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Tennessee.
Tenant Rights in Tennessee
Tennessee does not provide rent withholding or repair-and-deduct remedies for tenants. When a landlord fails to maintain the property, the tenant's primary recourse is to file a complaint with local code enforcement or pursue a civil lawsuit. This puts tenants at a significant disadvantage when facing habitability issues.
Rent Control in Tennessee
Tennessee has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in Tennessee
Landlords in Tennessee are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Return security deposits within 30 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Tennessee
Many cities in Tennessee have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Nashville
Nashville follows state law. Large and growing rental market with no additional local tenant protections.
Memphis
Memphis follows state law. Has housing code enforcement.
Knoxville
No local landlord-tenant ordinances beyond Tennessee state law.
Chattanooga
Follows state law without local modifications.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Tennessee scores 30 out of 100, earning a grade of D (Landlord-Friendly).
How Tennessee Compares
Below is a comparison of Tennessee with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Tennessee falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (TN) | 30 | D | No statutory limit | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Indiana (IN) | 29 | F | No statutory limit | 10 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| South Carolina (SC) | 29 | F | No statutory limit | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| North Carolina (NC) | 32 | D | 1.5 months' rent (week-to-week: 2 weeks); 2 months (month-to-month) | 10 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| South Dakota (SD) | 32 | D | 1 month's rent (2 months if special conditions) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Georgia (GA) | 33 | D | No statutory limit | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the security deposit limit is No statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Tennessee?
For nonpayment of rent, Tennessee requires 14 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Tennessee if my landlord won't make repairs?
No, Tennessee does not allow tenants to withhold rent. Tenants should consult a local attorney about available remedies.
Does Tennessee have rent control?
No, Tennessee prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Tennessee?
Landlords in Tennessee must give No requirement notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Tennessee are primarily found in Tenn. Code § 66-28-101 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.