Question 1

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Tenn. Code ch. 66-28 (reviewed by full-text search on 2026-10-15) sets no maximum security deposit. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 2

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Deposits must be kept in a separate escrow account at a regulated bank, and tenants must be told where it is at lease signing. Move-out damage must be listed (with a mutual inspection if the tenant requests one) or the landlord cannot keep any of the deposit. If a refund is due, the landlord must notify the tenant. A refund unclaimed after 60 days may be kept. The statute sets no fixed return deadline. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 3

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Tenants may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspection, repairs or showings, and emergency entry needs no consent. To show the unit to prospective tenants in the final 30 days, the lease must allow it and the landlord must give 24 hours' notice. Landlords may not abuse access to harass. No general advance-notice period. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 4

How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Tenn. Code ch. 66-28 (reviewed by full-text search on 2026-10-15) sets no notice period for rent increases; the lease controls. Month-to-month tenancies can be ended with 30 days' notice under § 66-28-512. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.) Applies only in counties with population over 75,000 (2010 census), where the URLTA applies (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102(a)); elsewhere common law and the lease govern.

Question 5

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Tennessee, and how much?

Accepted Answer

Late fees may not exceed 10% of the past-due rent, and none may be charged until a 5-day grace period ends (the due date counts; if day 5 is a Sunday or legal holiday, payment the next business day is on time) (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-201(d)). Applies only in counties with population over 75,000 (2010 census), where the URLTA applies (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102(a)); elsewhere common law and the lease govern.

Question 6

What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

14 days' written notice to pay before the lease ends. If substantially the same breach recurs within 6 months, 7 days' notice is enough. A lease may waive notice in 12-point bold type, but the 5-day rent grace period still applies. In counties not covered by the URLTA, § 66-7-109 provides 14 days' notice for unpaid rent. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 7

Can cities in Tennessee pass rent control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Local governments may not enact, keep or enforce rent control on private residential or commercial property, and may not require below-market (inclusionary) set-asides as a condition of zoning or permits.

Question 8

How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date named in the notice. Week-to-week tenancies need 10 days' notice. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.) Applies only in counties with population over 75,000 (2010 census), where the URLTA applies (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102(a)); elsewhere common law and the lease govern.

Question 9

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No interest is required. Deposits must be held in an account used only for deposits at a regulated bank or lender, and tenants must be told the account location (not the number) at signing. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 10

Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No move-in inspection is required. At move-out, a tenant may request a mutual inspection on the vacate date or within 4 days, and both parties sign a damage list. Without a damage list and an escrow account, the landlord cannot keep any of the deposit. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 11

Is landlord retaliation illegal in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained about a violation or used remedies under the Act. Exceptions include tenant-caused code violations and rent default. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.) Applies only in counties with population over 75,000 (2010 census), where the URLTA applies (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102(a)); elsewhere common law and the lease govern.

Question 12

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Landlords may not take possession, including by cutting electricity, gas, water or other essential services, except after abandonment, surrender or as the Act allows. A tenant who is unlawfully removed or has services willfully cut may recover possession or end the lease, and recover actual and punitive damages plus attorney's fees. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.) Applies only in counties with population over 75,000 (2010 census), where the URLTA applies (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102(a)); elsewhere common law and the lease govern.

Question 13

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

After 14 days' written notice, the tenant may sue for damages, an injunction and attorney's fees. If essential services (heat, utilities) are not supplied, the tenant may, after written notice, buy them and deduct the cost, recover the reduced rental value, or get substitute housing without owing rent. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 14

What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

At or before move-in, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the manager and of the owner or agent for service, plus a maintenance phone, email or online portal. The landlord must also state in writing that it does not provide fire or casualty insurance for the tenant's belongings, and must tell the tenant where the deposit account is held. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 15

What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Absence for 30 or more days without paying rent is prima facie abandonment. So is 15 days of nonpayment plus signs of moving out, but then the landlord must post and mail a 10-day notice. Removed belongings must be stored for at least 30 days, then may be sold or disposed of. Any surplus is held for 6 months. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 16

Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking may end a lease signed or renewed on or after July 1, 2021. They must give written notice with an order of protection or criminal-charge documentation dated within 60 days, and leave within 30 days. They owe rent for the month of termination. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 17

Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

5-day grace period, counting the due date. If day 5 falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, payment on the next business day is on time. Late fees are capped at 10% of past-due rent. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Question 18

What is the domestic violence early termination rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

A tenant may end a lease signed or renewed on or after July 1, 2021 by written notice stating that the tenant or a household member is a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking, with the required documentation. Code text: "may terminate a residential rental or lease agreement entered into or renewed on or after July 1, 2021, upon the tenant providing the landlord with written notice stating that the tenant or household member is a domestic abuse victim, sexual assault victim, or stalking victim."

Question 19

What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after" entering military service, the date of the military orders, or the date of a stop movement order (50 U.S.C. 3955(a)(1)(A)-(C)).

Question 20

What federal protections does a tenant have after foreclosure in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (made permanent in 2018), whoever takes over a home through foreclosure must give a bona fide tenant at least 90 days' notice to vacate. A tenant with a bona fide lease signed before the notice of foreclosure (the date title passes) can stay until the lease ends, unless the unit is sold to a buyer who will live there as a primary residence; that buyer must still give the 90-day notice. Month-to-month and at-will tenants also get the 90 days. A tenancy is bona fide only if the tenant is not the borrower or the borrower's child, spouse or parent, the deal was at arm's length, and the rent is not far below market (unless it is subsidized). State or local laws with longer notice or more protection still apply, and any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Statute text: "the provision, by such successor in interest of a notice to vacate to any bona fide tenant at least 90 days before the effective date of such notice" (Pub. L. 111-22, SEC. 702(a)(1)).

Question 21

What is the warranty of habitability in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

The landlord must comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety and make all repairs needed to keep the premises fit and habitable (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-304(a)). Applies only in counties over 75,000 population (§ 66-28-102(a)).

Question 22

Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

If the landlord deliberately or negligently fails to supply essential services, the tenant may, after written notice, buy those services and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from rent, or choose another listed remedy (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-502(a)(1)). Applies only in counties over 75,000 population (§ 66-28-102(a)).

Question 23

Do landlords need a rental license or registration in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Each landlord must file its name, phone, physical address and each unit address with the local building-code agency, which may charge up to $10 a year, and report ownership changes within 30 days (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-107(a)). Applies only in counties over 75,000 population (§ 66-28-102(a)).

Question 24

What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant stays without consent after the lease ends, the landlord may sue for possession, back rent, attorney's fees and lease damages. A willful, bad-faith holdover also allows actual damages (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-512(c)). Applies only in counties over 75,000 population (§ 66-28-102(a)).

Question 25

What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

If a breach can be fixed by paying rent, repairs, damages or another amount owed, the landlord's notice must give 14 days to remedy before the lease ends. A repeat of the same breach within 6 months allows termination on at least 7 days' notice (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505(a)(2)). Applies only in counties over 75,000 population (§ 66-28-102(a)).

Question 26

What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

For a material lease breach the landlord gives written notice with 14 days to cure (§ 66-28-505). For violent acts or real and present danger, the landlord may terminate 3 days after the tenant receives written notice (§ 66-28-517(a)). Outside URLTA counties, 14 days' notice suffices for nonpayment, damage and other listed reasons (§ 66-7-109(a)). Applies only in counties with population over 75,000 (2010 census), where the URLTA applies (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102(a)); elsewhere common law and the lease govern.

Question 27

Does a landlord need just cause to evict in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date, or a week-to-week tenancy with 10 days (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-512(a)-(b)). No state just-cause eviction requirement was found in the chapters reviewed by full-text search. Applies only in counties with population over 75,000 (2010 census), where the URLTA applies (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102(a)); elsewhere common law and the lease govern.

Question 28

What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

A landlord with a no-pet or pet-fee policy must make an exception for a tenant or applicant with a disability who needs a service or support animal (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-406). No state statute on pet deposit amounts was found. Applies only in counties over 75,000 population (§ 66-28-102(a)).

Question 29

What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Landlords who require a security deposit must keep all tenants' deposits in an account used only for deposits, at a bank or lending institution regulated by the state or federal government (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301(a)). Applies only in counties with population over 75,000 (2010 census), where the URLTA applies (Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102(a)); elsewhere common law and the lease govern.

Question 30

Does Tennessee have rent control?

Accepted Answer

No. Tennessee has no rent control, and local governments may not enact, keep or enforce any ordinance that controls rent on private residential or commercial property.

Question 31

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute allowing general rent withholding or rent escrow was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 32

Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute requiring smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in rentals was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 33

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute limiting rental application fees was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 34

Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute limiting tenant screening by criminal or credit history was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 35

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute barring source-of-income discrimination was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 36

What disclosures must a landlord give in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute requiring owner or manager identity disclosures beyond the landlord address rule was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 37

What is the tenant buyout disclosures rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute on tenant buyout agreements was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 38

Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute requiring notice of lease nonrenewal was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 39

What is the scra / military lease termination rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute on military lease termination was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 40

What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute on the death of a tenant was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 41

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

The state standard clerk's filing fee for a detainer warrant in civil General Sessions court is $50 (as of January 1, 2026, 2027 and 2028). Other costs, such as service and litigation taxes, may be added.

Question 42

What is the eviction record sealing rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute sealing eviction records was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 43

What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute requiring relocation assistance was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 44

What rights does a tenant have after foreclosure in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute protecting tenants after foreclosure was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 45

Can the city inspect my rental property in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute requiring rental inspections was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 46

What is the property manager licensing rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A person who, for a fee or other valuable consideration, negotiates leases or rentals or collects rents for others is a "broker" under the Tennessee Real Estate Broker License Act and must be licensed by the Tennessee Real Estate Commission.

Question 47

What are the Airbnb / short-term rental rules in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

No state statute regulating short-term rentals was found in Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) and § 66-7-109, reviewed by full-text search.

Question 48

What is the rental / transient occupancy tax rule in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Rentals of rooms, lodgings or accommodations are subject to Tennessee sales tax (7% state rate plus local sales tax) unless supplied to the same person for 90 or more continuous days (Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-6-205(c)(1), per the Tennessee Department of Revenue). Local hotel occupancy taxes may also apply under Tenn. Code Ann. § 67-4-1401 et seq. (not reviewed).

Question 49

How does the eviction court process work in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Eviction is by detainer warrant in General Sessions Court (Tenn. Code Ann. title 29, ch. 18). No writ of possession may issue until 10 days after judgment (§ 29-18-126), and an appeal to circuit court may be taken within 10 days (§§ 29-18-128, 27-5-108). In URLTA counties a periodic tenancy is ended first by written notice of 30 days (month-to-month) under § 66-28-512.

Question 50

Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

A full-text search of official Tenn. Code Ann. ch. 66-28 (the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) found no general rule on whether a tenant may sublet or assign a residential lease, or when a landlord must consent. That is a scoped none_found finding on a general consent rule, not a finding of no restriction. Chapter 66-28 applies only in counties with a population of more than 75,000 according to the 2010 federal census, and it has the other application and preemption limits in § 66-28-102. Related provisions do address unauthorized subtenants and a landlord who subleases units. In counties where chapter 66-28 applies, § 66-28-517(a)(4) allows a landlord to terminate a rental agreement within three days from the date written notice is received by the tenant if the tenant or any other person on the premises with the tenant's consent refuses to vacate after entering as an unauthorized subtenant or other unauthorized occupant, subject to the notice, injunction, essential-services, good-faith, and domestic-abuse rules in the rest of § 66-28-517. Section 66-28-107 requires a landlord to register dwelling units that the landlord owns, leases, or subleases, but only in a county with a metropolitan form of government and a population in excess of 500,000 according to the 2000 federal census or a later census. Outside chapter 66-28 counties, § 66-7-109(f) makes three days' notice sufficient to evict an unauthorized subtenant or other unauthorized occupant who refuses to vacate, and § 66-7-109(g) states that nothing in § 66-7-109 applies to rental property in a county governed by chapter 66-28. The lease terms and any local law that is not preempted may still apply.

Tennessee landlord-tenant law FAQ