Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Tennessee’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies only in counties above a population threshold — covering Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Chattanooga — so rural tenants have fewer statutory protections. Where it applies, late fees are capped at 10% of past-due rent after a 5-day grace period.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Tennessee?
A Tennessee landlord in a URLTA county has 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with an itemized list of deductions.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 30 days (URLTA counties) |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Tennessee?
Tennessee prohibits local rent control and has no cap on increases; late fees are limited to 10% of the past-due rent after a 5-day grace period.
| Grace Period | 5 days |
| Late Fee Limit | 10% of the past-due rent |
| Rent Control Status | Prohibited (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-201, 66-28-512 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Tennessee
A Tennessee eviction for unpaid rent in a URLTA county requires a 14-day notice; drug activity or a threat to health and safety allows a 3-day notice.
| Non-Payment Notice | 14 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 14 days to cure; terminates at 30 days |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Illegal Activity | 3 days for drug activity or violence |
| Statute Reference | Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-505, 66-28-512 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Tennessee?
No. In URLTA counties Tennessee requires 24 hours’ notice before entry, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 24 hours |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 |
What Must a Tennessee Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Name and address of the owner or agent (Tenn. Code § 66-28-302)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Tennessee?
Tennessee landlords in URLTA counties must keep the premises fit and habitable; if essential services are cut off, tenants have statutory remedies.
What Tennessee landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes
- • Keep the premises fit and habitable
- • Keep common areas clean and safe
What a Tennessee tenant can do
- • Terminate after 14 days’ notice of a material breach
- • Procure essential services or substitute housing
| Statute Reference | Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-304, 66-28-501, 66-28-502 |