- Home
- State laws
- Tennessee
Tennessee landlord-tenant law
Checked against the Tennessee statutes on October 1, 2026 Statutes current through: selected sections read October 15, 2026: 2026 Regular Session and 2026 2nd Extraordinary Session; other topics retain their stated review limits General information, not legal advice
Jump to a topic
Tennessee in brief
Selected current Code sections establish the five-day late-fee grace period and 10 percent cap, periodic termination notice, retaliation protections and local rent-control restrictions described below. The Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies in counties with more than 75,000 residents under the 2010 federal census, subject to its exclusions. This page does not establish a separate rent-increase notice period. Other topics retain their stated limits where their governing sections have not been read. Check the property, tenancy and applicable program rules before relying on a general rule.
Key numbers
- Security deposit limit
- Not verified
- the governing section is published only through LexisNexis; not read
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 (not read)
- Deposit return deadline
- Not verified
- the governing section is published only through LexisNexis; not read
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 (not read)
- Late fee grace period
- 5 days
- where the Act applies; due date counts as day one; see the Sunday and legal-holiday extension
- Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-201(d)
- Notice for unpaid rent
- Not verified
- the governing section is published only through LexisNexis; not read
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505 (not read)Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109 (not read)
- Entry notice
- Not verified
- the governing section is published only through LexisNexis; not read
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403 (not read)
- Ending a month-to-month tenancy
- 30 days
- where the Act applies, before the periodic rental date stated in the written notice
- Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-512(b)
- Rent increase notice
- Not verified
- selected sections do not establish a separate rent-increase notice period
- Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-512
Before you sign
Application and screening fees
Not readNo Tennessee section on application or screening fees was identified or read. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read, so this page states no limit.
Fair housing
Partly readThe Tennessee Attorney General identifies denial of housing, worse rental terms, harassment, and refusal of a disability accommodation or modification as potential violations of state housing discrimination law. Its housing guidance also identifies refusal to rent because of a service or emotional support animal as a potential violation. Evaluate the applicable accommodation requirements rather than treating an assistance animal as an ordinary pet.
Tennessee Attorney General: housing discrimination guidance
More detail (2)
- A 2005 act (Pub. Ch. 215) requires owners leasing units in buildings of three or more stories to give physically disabled persons priority for units on the first two floors when the disability prevents reasonable access to higher floors. The section was not read and may have been amended since. Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-104 (not read) 2005 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 215 (bill caption)
- The Civil Rights Enforcement Division accepts state discrimination complaints. Its published process gives 180 days from the alleged discriminatory act to file an agency complaint. It separately describes a private lawsuit deadline of one year after the discriminatory practice ceases, without requiring an agency complaint first. Filing with the division does not extend that private lawsuit deadline. These are distinct routes and deadlines. Tennessee Attorney General: complaint process
The Rentari Tennessee lease commits the landlord to the federal Fair Housing Act and state and local fair housing laws and explains how to ask for a disability accommodation.
Required disclosures
Not readThe written disclosure of the manager, the owner's agent and a maintenance contact is in T.C.A. 66-28-302. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read. Other disclosures the Code may require could not be checked.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-302 (not read)
More detail (1)
- See the owner and manager identity topic for what the Rentari addendum lists. Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-302 (not read) See Owner and manager identity
The Rentari Tennessee lease attaches an owner and managing agent identification addendum.
Flood disclosure
Not readNo Tennessee flood disclosure rule for rentals was identified or read, so this page states none.
Owner and manager identity
Partly readT.C.A. 66-28-302 governs disclosing who manages the home, who may receive notices and service of process for the owner, and how to request maintenance. A 2024 act (Pub. Ch. 907) requires this disclosure in writing at or before the start of the tenancy. The section was not read, so its exact content is not stated here.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-302 (not read) 2024 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 907 (as-enacted summary)
The Rentari Tennessee lease attaches an addendum naming, from the details the landlord enters, the person authorized to manage the home, the owner or agent for service of process and notices, and a maintenance telephone number or email address; a missing address or contact prints as not disclosed.
Deposits, rent and fees
Security deposit limit
Not readWhether Tennessee limits the size of a security deposit could not be verified. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read, so this page states neither a limit nor the absence of one.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 (not read)
More detail (1)
- The Act applies in counties with more than 75,000 residents according to the 2010 federal census, subject to the exclusions in 66-28-102. Check the county census and occupancy type before applying this rule; the separate title 66, chapter 7 rules were not reviewed. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102 See Which Tennessee law applies
Returning the deposit
Not readThe deadline and itemizing rules for returning a deposit are in T.C.A. 66-28-301 where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read, so this page states no deadline.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 (not read)
More detail (1)
- The Act applies in counties with more than 75,000 residents according to the 2010 federal census, subject to the exclusions in 66-28-102. Check the county census and occupancy type before applying this rule; the separate title 66, chapter 7 rules were not reviewed. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102 See Which Tennessee law applies
The Rentari Tennessee lease returns the deposit, less lawful deductions and with a written list of each deduction and its cost, within the number of days the lease states, never more than 30, after the tenancy ends and the tenant surrenders possession.
Deposit account and interest
Not readAny duty to hold deposits in a separate account, and any interest rule, could not be verified. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 (not read)
The Rentari Tennessee lease says, as its own term, that the landlord holds the deposit in an account used only for security deposits at a bank or other lending institution and tells the tenant in writing where the account is held.
Move-in and move-out inspections
Not readTennessee's inspection and damage-list rules for deposits could not be verified. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 (not read)
More detail (1)
- Where the Act applies, 2005 and 2011 acts (Pub. Ch. 156 and 272) tied the landlord's move-out damage list to written notice of the tenant's right to an inspection. T.C.A. 66-28-301 was not read, so confirm the current procedure before withholding any of the deposit. Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 (not read) 2005 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 156 (amendment summary) 2011 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 272 (bill summary)
The Rentari Tennessee lease lets the tenant, on request, be present at the landlord's move-out inspection, held on the day the tenant vacates or within four calendar days after.
Rent and late fees
Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies, rent has a five-day grace period before a late fee may be charged; count the due date as day one. If the last grace day is a Sunday or a legal holiday under T.C.A. 15-1-101, no late fee may be imposed when rent is paid the next business day. A late fee may not exceed 10 percent of the rent past due. The statutory extension does not list Saturday.
Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-201(d)
More detail (2)
- Apply these limits only after checking Act coverage: 66-28-102 uses county population greater than 75,000 under the 2010 federal census and excludes specified arrangements. A current county population estimate does not replace that census test. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102 See Which Tennessee law applies
- The five-day grace period concerns late fees; it does not change the agreed rent due date. Section 66-28-201 also bars a rental agreement from waiving rights or remedies granted by the Act. The separate statutory list of legal holidays has not been reviewed here. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-201(a), (c), (d)
Returned payment fee
Not readNo Tennessee statute capping a landlord's returned-check or returned-payment fee was identified or read, so this page states no cap.
Tennessee Code Annotated (no returned-check section identified; not read)
If you set a returned-payment fee, the Rentari Tennessee lease charges that fee for any check or electronic payment returned for insufficient funds.
Rent increase notice
Partly readThe selected sections reviewed here do not establish a separate notice period for increasing rent. T.C.A. 66-28-512 sets notice for ending periodic tenancies where the Act applies; its 30-day month-to-month rule should not be presented as a standalone rent-increase rule. Check the rental agreement and any applicable housing-program requirements before changing rent.
Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-512
More detail (2)
- For notices required by the Act, 66-28-106 requires written notice to the last known or lease-designated address and recognizes actual knowledge. Under 66-28-108, if the tenant supplies an email address in the rental agreement, the landlord may email required notifications unless the Act specifies another form; the landlord cannot require an email address as a condition of renting. These sections do not state an automatic three-day mailing extension. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-106, 66-28-108
- The full chapter, rules for rentals outside the Act, independent electronic-transactions requirements and housing-program notices were not reviewed for this selected update. This page therefore states no universal rent-increase notice count. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102, 66-28-512
During the tenancy
Landlord entry
Not readThe landlord's right of access is in T.C.A. 66-28-403 where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read, so this page states no notice period.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403 (not read)
More detail (1)
- The Act applies in counties with more than 75,000 residents according to the 2010 federal census, subject to the exclusions in 66-28-102. Check the county census and occupancy type before applying this rule; the separate title 66, chapter 7 rules were not reviewed. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102 See Which Tennessee law applies
The Rentari Tennessee lease gives the tenant at least the hours of notice it states (24 by default) before entry at reasonable times, except in an emergency, and allows showings to prospective tenants in the last 30 days of the tenancy after 24 hours' notice.
Repairs and habitability
Tennessee Department of Health guidance tells renters to keep the home clean and safe and report repair problems promptly, preferably in writing. Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies, landlords must maintain housing that meets building and housing codes affecting health and safety. This is selected agency guidance; the full maintenance statute was not reviewed for this page.
Tennessee Department of Health: Healthy Homes renter guidance
More detail (1)
- Describe the problem, when it began and how it affects use of the home. Keep dated photos, requests and replies. Follow up if repairs stall, and ask the local codes office which inspections it offers. Most landlord-tenant disputes are civil matters; health departments do not resolve every repair disagreement. Get legal help before withholding rent, deducting repair costs or ending the lease, because remedies depend on the applicable law and facts. Tennessee Department of Health: Healthy Homes renter guidance
The Rentari Tennessee lease says, as its own term, that the landlord keeps the home fit and habitable, complies with building and housing codes that materially affect health and safety, and keeps supplied facilities and appliances in safe working order, and that the tenant reports repairs in writing.
Tenant repair remedies
Not readA tenant's remedies when the landlord does not repair are in T.C.A. 66-28-501 to 66-28-504 where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read, so this page states no remedy or deadline.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-501 to 66-28-504 (not read)
The Rentari Tennessee lease says the tenant's remedies are those Tennessee law gives and points to those sections.
Locks and security devices
Not readNo Tennessee section on locks or rekeying was identified or read, so this page states no lock rule.
Tenn. Code Ann. title 66, chapter 28 (not read)
The Rentari Tennessee lease requires the landlord to provide working exterior locks and bars the tenant from changing locks without written consent, except as the law allows.
Smoke alarms
Not readTennessee's smoke detector sections (T.C.A. 68-120-111, 68-120-112, 68-120-118 and 68-102-151) were not read, so this page states no device or testing rule.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-120-111 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-120-112 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-120-118 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-102-151 (not read)
The Rentari Tennessee lease requires the landlord to provide working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at the start of the tenancy and bars the tenant from disabling them.
Retaliation
Where the Act applies, a landlord may not retaliate by increasing rent, decreasing services, or bringing or threatening a possession action because the tenant complained to the landlord about a violation under 66-28-301 or exercised a right or remedy under the Act. Section 66-28-514 states no fixed retaliation-presumption period.
Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-514(a)
More detail (2)
- The section permits a possession action despite its retaliation rule when the tenant, household or someone present with the tenant's consent caused the complained-of code violation through lack of reasonable care; the tenant is in rent default; or code compliance requires work that deprives the tenant of use of the unit. Such an action does not release liability under 66-28-501(b), whose full remedy text was not reviewed here. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-514(b)
- The Rentari lease separately promises broader protections, including agency complaints and tenant organization activity. Those lease terms should not be treated as a quotation of 66-28-514. Other statutory protections, incorporated 66-28-301 and case law were not independently reviewed in this update. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-514
The Rentari Tennessee lease says the landlord will not retaliate for a complaint to a government agency about a code violation, joining a tenants' organization, or using a right under the lease or the law.
Lockouts and utility shutoffs
Not readTennessee's rules on self-help eviction and utility shutoffs could not be verified. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read. Recover possession only through the courts.
Ending a tenancy
Ending a month-to-month tenancy
Partly readWhere the Act applies, either the landlord or tenant may end a month-to-month tenancy by written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date specified in the notice. For a week-to-week tenancy, the written notice must be at least 10 days before the stated termination date. These are periodic termination rules, not a separate rule authorizing a rent increase.
Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-512(a), (b)
More detail (2)
- A 2023 act (Pub. Ch. 400) requires 60 days' notice to end the tenancy of a rent-current tenant in certain housing for older persons when the reason is new property development. Its text was not read. 2023 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 400 (as-enacted summary)
- If a tenant remains after expiration or termination without the landlord's consent, 66-28-512(c) allows an action for possession and specified amounts. Willful holdover without good faith may also lead to actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. Continued occupancy with consent is governed by 66-28-201(c). This does not authorize removing the tenant without the applicable court process. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-512(c), 66-28-201(c)
The Rentari Tennessee lease lets either party end a month-to-month tenancy with at least 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental due date.
Ending a fixed-term lease early
Not readTennessee's early-termination right for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking is in T.C.A. 66-28-205 and 66-7-112. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read, so this page states no notice or document rule. Servicemembers also have federal rights under 50 U.S.C. 3955, which was not read for this page.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-205 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-112 (not read)
The Rentari Tennessee lease says nothing in it limits the victims' early-termination right, keeps a departing victim's identity confidential without written consent unless law or a court requires otherwise, and includes a servicemember termination clause.
Notice for unpaid rent
Not readThe notice before an eviction for unpaid rent is in T.C.A. 66-28-505 where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies and in T.C.A. 66-7-109 elsewhere. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read, so this page states no day count.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109 (not read)
More detail (1)
- The Act applies in counties with more than 75,000 residents according to the 2010 federal census, subject to the exclusions in 66-28-102. Check the county census and occupancy type before applying this rule; the separate title 66, chapter 7 rules were not reviewed. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102 See Which Tennessee law applies
The Rentari Tennessee lease promises at least 14 days' written notice to pay before the landlord starts an action for possession for unpaid rent.
Notice for a lease violation
Not readNotice and cure rules for other lease breaches are in T.C.A. 66-28-505 where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies and in T.C.A. 66-7-109 elsewhere. The Code provisions governing this topic were not read, so this page states no cure period.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109 (not read)
More detail (1)
- A separate, shorter termination route for certain violent conduct is in T.C.A. 66-28-517 where the Act applies and, elsewhere, in a 2015 act (Pub. Ch. 172) that exempts tenants who are mentally or physically disabled. Neither was read, so no grounds or day count are stated here. Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-517 (not read) 2015 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 172 (as-enacted summary)
Eviction process
A detainer warrant begins the court case for possession; it is different from the later writ used to enforce a possession judgment. Check the appropriate county court for its filing, service and hearing requirements. The required notice depends on the tenancy, the lease and which Tennessee rental law applies. This guide does not supply a complete set of court deadlines.
Tenn. Code Ann. title 29, chapter 18 (not read) Tennessee Courts: Tipton County General Sessions local rules, detainer warrants and writs
More detail (2)
- A 2026 act (Pub. Ch. 657), effective April 1, 2026, bars certain people involved in serving eviction papers from publishing or streaming video of the service without the served person's written permission, and lets that person sue. Its text was not read. 2026 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 657 (as-enacted summary)
- Prepare the signed lease, amendments, relevant notices and delivery records, rent ledger, receipts, messages and dated photographs. Organize them by the issue the court must decide, with payments and credits clearly recorded. As a local example, Tipton County publishes rules requiring plaintiffs to bring the signed lease, notice and supporting evidence with the necessary copies. Check your own county's current instructions; that local requirement is not a statewide filing checklist. Tennessee Courts: Tipton County General Sessions local rules, detainer warrants and writs
The Rentari Tennessee lease says any action under it is brought in the General Sessions Court or Circuit Court of the county where the home is located.
Abandoned property
Partly readWhere the Act applies, a 2005 act (Pub. Ch. 156) set an abandonment procedure. It requires a notice posted at the home and mailed to the tenant, a waiting period before re-entry, a longer one before remaining possessions may be disposed of, and a court case if the tenant says they will stay. The current section was not read and may have been amended, so confirm the periods before re-entering or disposing of property.
Tenn. Code Ann. title 66, chapter 28 (not read) 2005 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 156 (amendment summary)
The Rentari Tennessee lease says the landlord handles property left behind strictly as applicable law requires.
Small claims
Not readThe civil limit of Tennessee's General Sessions Courts is in T.C.A. 16-15-501, which was not read, so this page states no dollar limit.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-501 (not read)
The Rentari Tennessee lease sends disputes to the General Sessions Court or Circuit Court of the county where the home is located and names no dollar figure.
More Tennessee rules
Firearms in rentals
Partly readA 2026 act (Pub. Ch. 606), effective January 1, 2027, generally restricts a landlord from prohibiting a tenant from lawfully possessing, carrying, transporting or storing a firearm, firearm parts or ammunition. It covers the home, a vehicle in a tenant parking area, and landlord-controlled areas needed to enter or leave, in leases entered into, amended, extended or renewed on or after that date. The Rentari lease cites it as T.C.A. 66-28-206 and 66-7-113. That text was not read, so any exceptions are not stated here.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-206 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-113 (not read) 2026 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 606 (as-enacted summary)
Which Tennessee law applies
T.C.A. 66-28-102 applies the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act in counties with a population greater than 75,000 according to the 2010 federal census. It covers agreements entered into, extended or renewed after July 1, 1975, subject to the section's exclusions. Check that census and the type of occupancy; this page does not certify a county list or the separate chapter 7 rules.
Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102(a)-(d)
More detail (2)
- Unless created to avoid the Act, excluded arrangements include specified institutional residence, occupancy by a purchaser under a sale contract, transient hotel or motel lodging or room-occupancy excise-tax lodging, condominium-owner or cooperative proprietary-lease occupancy, and premises used primarily for agriculture. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102(c)
- For government- or nonprofit-owned housing regulated by HUD, the Act does not apply to the extent it conflicts with federal regulations, and does apply where those regulations defer to state law. The program regulations were not independently reviewed here. In covered counties the Act preempts the landlord-tenant field, and county action may not conflict with or add to it. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-28-102(d), (e)
The Rentari Tennessee lease gives the same terms in every county and points to the Act's sections where the Act applies and to T.C.A. 66-7-109 elsewhere.
Tenant screening and consumer reports
Use lawful criteria tied to the actual rental and review the information behind a screening recommendation. Tenant background reports can contain errors or incomplete records, and federal consumer-report obligations apply when a report affects a rental decision. Confirm the applicable state, local and housing-program requirements before choosing what to request or consider.
CFPB: rental denial and screening reports FTC: tenant background checks and rights
More detail (3)
- Match identifying information to the applicant and review dates, duplicate records and how court cases ended. An eviction filing is not the same as a completed eviction. If the applicant identifies an error, keep the supporting records and direct the report dispute to the reporting company. Review any corrected information with the same lawful criteria used for other applications rather than treating a score or irregular history as a complete explanation. FTC: tenant background checks and rights
- A report-based denial or less favorable terms, such as higher rent or deposit or a cosigner requirement, requires an adverse-action notice. Include the reporting company's name, address and phone number, explain that it did not make the decision and cannot explain your reasons, and state the rights to dispute inaccurate information and request a free report from that company within sixty days of the notice. Review additional duties for investigative reports or use of a credit score. CFPB: rental denial and screening reports FTC: landlord consumer-report guidance
- Keep a clear record of the criteria, authorization, report date, facts reviewed, applicant communications and any required notice. Restrict access to sensitive application information and follow applicable preservation duties before securely disposing of it. Use the separate fair-housing guidance when an accommodation or other protected issue arises; a provider's report is not a substitute for that review. FTC: tenant background checks and rights FTC: landlord consumer-report guidance See Fair housing
Unauthorized occupancy and ownership claims
Separate an unwanted occupant, a current or former tenant, and a person claiming ownership. The applicable removal procedure depends on those facts. Adverse possession is a title issue with demanding proof requirements, not an automatic right created by a short stay or an unpaid rental bill.
Tennessee Legislature: 2024 sheriff-removal enactment Tennessee Supreme Court: Cumulus adverse-possession discussion
More detail (4)
- The 2024 enactment created a limited county-sheriff complaint route for unlawful occupancy of a residential dwelling. Its conditions include an owner or authorized agent, unlawful entry and continued occupation, property closed to the public at entry, a direction to leave, no current or former authorized oral or written tenancy, no immediate-family relationship, and no pending related litigation between the parties. Check the current requirements before using the route. Tennessee Legislature: 2024 sheriff-removal enactment
- The enactment requires a completed, verified complaint and sheriff verification before removal. It also provides a wrongful-removal action with possible restoration and damages. It is not permission to personally remove someone because you call them a squatter. A tenant dispute or an excluded situation requires the appropriate legal process; do not assume a universal seventy-two-hour outcome. Tennessee Legislature: 2024 sheriff-removal enactment See Eviction process
- The Tennessee Supreme Court’s Cumulus discussion describes a twenty-year common-law adverse-possession route even without color of title. Statutory routes and tax-related presumptions raise separate requirements. Do not reduce a title dispute to a seven- or twenty-year countdown, or assume paying taxes alone establishes ownership. Have the deed history, boundaries, permission and actual possession assessed together. Tennessee Supreme Court: Cumulus adverse-possession discussion
- Preserve the deed, authorization records, leases, payment history, notices, dated photographs, communications and any pending court papers. For a vacant home, keep entry points secure and arrange lawful periodic checks. Record problems promptly and obtain help identifying the proper route when permission, tenancy or title is disputed; keep occupants and possessions undisturbed while that question is resolved. Tennessee Legislature: 2024 sheriff-removal enactment Tennessee Supreme Court: Cumulus adverse-possession discussion
Local rules
Rent control and local rules
T.C.A. 66-35-102 prohibits local governmental units from enacting, maintaining or enforcing ordinances or resolutions that control rent for private residential or commercial property. Its definition of local governmental unit includes counties and incorporated municipalities. This separate prohibition is not limited to the counties covered by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-35-101, 66-35-102(a)
More detail (1)
- The statute also restricts mandatory below-market unit allocations and specified zoning or land-use conditions. It preserves purely voluntary incentive programs within its conditions and voluntary attainable-housing incentive programs under 13-3-601 or 13-4-401. Those incorporated program sections and individual agreements were not independently reviewed; the rent-control prohibition does not resolve every subsidized or voluntary housing arrangement. Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-35-102(b)(1), (2)
Cities and counties have their own housing, building, fire and other codes that can add duties for rental property. None was read for this page, so no local rule is listed here; check the codes of the city and county where the property is located.
Tennessee landlord questions
How much can I charge for a security deposit in Tennessee?
This page could not verify a Tennessee limit: the deposit rules are in T.C.A. 66-28-301, which is published only through LexisNexis and was not read. The Rentari Tennessee lease states the amount you set.
How long do I have to return a Tennessee deposit?
Not verified here, because T.C.A. 66-28-301 could not be read. The Rentari Tennessee lease promises the return, with a written list of deductions, within the days it states, never more than 30.
What late fee can I charge in Tennessee?
Where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies, rent has a five-day grace period before a late fee may be charged; count the due date as day one. If the last grace day is a Sunday or a legal holiday under T.C.A. 15-1-101, no late fee may be imposed when rent is paid the next business day. A late fee may not exceed 10 percent of the rent past due. The statutory extension does not list Saturday. The Rentari lease does not promise the statutory Sunday and legal-holiday extension.
How much notice do I give before an eviction for unpaid rent?
The notice is set by T.C.A. 66-28-505 where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies and by T.C.A. 66-7-109 elsewhere; neither could be read. The Rentari Tennessee lease promises at least 14 days' written notice to pay.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109 (not read)
How much notice do I give before entering?
T.C.A. 66-28-403 governs access where the Act applies and was not read, so no period is stated here. The Rentari Tennessee lease gives at least 24 hours' notice by default, except in an emergency.
How do I end a month-to-month tenancy in Tennessee?
Where the Act applies, give written notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date specified in the notice. The Rentari Tennessee lease states that same minimum. The separate older-persons housing act discussed above has not been read in full and may require a different period for qualifying redevelopment terminations.
Does the landlord-tenant act cover my county?
Section 66-28-102 uses a county population greater than 75,000 under the 2010 federal census, subject to occupancy exclusions. Check that census rather than a current population estimate, and check the property and program. This page does not certify a county list or the separate chapter 7 rules.
Must I tell tenants who manages the property?
T.C.A. 66-28-302 covers a written disclosure, at or before the start of the tenancy, of the manager, the owner's agent for notices and service of process, and a maintenance contact. It was not read. The Rentari Tennessee addendum lists all three from the details you enter, so add your address and a maintenance phone or email: a blank field prints as not disclosed.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-302 (not read) 2024 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 907 (as-enacted summary)
Can a domestic abuse victim end a Tennessee lease early?
Tennessee gives that right in T.C.A. 66-28-205 and 66-7-112, which were not read, so the notice and document rules are not stated here. The Rentari Tennessee lease says nothing in it limits that right.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-205 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-112 (not read)
Can I change the locks or shut off utilities on a tenant who will not pay?
Tennessee's self-help rules could not be read for this page, so recover possession through the court process for forcible entry and detainer.
Does Tennessee allow local rent control?
Section 66-35-102 prohibits local ordinances or resolutions controlling rent on private residential or commercial property. Specified voluntary incentive programs remain possible under its conditions; review the applicable program before treating a particular property as unrestricted.
Tennessee Legislature Code access: T.C.A. 66-35-101, 66-35-102
Can I ban firearms in my Tennessee rental?
Generally not, in a lease entered into, amended, extended or renewed on or after January 1, 2027 (2026 Pub. Ch. 606 as the General Assembly summarizes it; the Code text was not read). The Rentari Tennessee lease prints its carve-out only for leases starting on or after that date, so a lease that started earlier and is amended later does not show it.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-206 (not read) Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-113 (not read) 2026 Tenn. Pub. Acts ch. 606 (as-enacted summary)
Statutes read for this page
- General Assembly bill information page for HB 1760 of 2011 (Pub. Ch. 272): bill history and summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for SB 350 (2026 Pub. Ch. 606, firearms): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for HB 2166 of 2000 (Pub. Ch. 666, late fees): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for SB 895 of 2021 (Pub. Ch. 182, coverage): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for HB 1814 of 2024 (Pub. Ch. 907, owner and manager disclosure): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for HB 735 of 2005 (Pub. Ch. 156, abandonment and inspection): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for HB 732 of 2021 (domestic abuse lease termination): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for HB 29 of 2015 (Pub. Ch. 172, violent conduct): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for HB 113 of 2005 (Pub. Ch. 215, lower-floor priority): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for SB 1993 of 2026 (Pub. Ch. 657, eviction-service video): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- General Assembly bill information page for HB 988 of 2023 (Pub. Ch. 400, older-persons housing): summary only, not statute text0 sections
- Attorney General Civil Rights Enforcement Division housing guidanceCurrent landing body, Laws CRED Enforces introduction and expanded Housing panel, plus full complaint-process article read October 15, 2026 in own browser. Selected agency guidance only; full Code, assistance-animal section, exemptions, regulations and cases not independently reviewed.
- Tennessee Legislature Code access: selected rent, notice, coverage and local-control sectionsSelected follow-up October 15, 2026: full current T.C.A. 66-28-102, 106, 108, 201, 512, 514 and 66-35-101, 102, with histories, read through the Legislature-linked LexisNexis Code. Publisher currency: 2026 Regular Session and 2026 2nd Extraordinary Session. Broader October 1 review date retained; other Code sections, local codes, federal rules and cases not freshly reviewed. The linked Legislature directory provides access to the codifier; it does not reproduce section text.
- Tennessee Department of Health Healthy Homes: selected renter guidanceRenter responsibilities, repair reporting, local codes and URLTA coverage guidance read October15,2026. Selected agency advice only; no individual statute, local code or linked PDF review. Broader checked_on retained.
- Tennessee Courts: selected Tipton County detainer preparation exampleSelected indexed local-rule text on detainer filing and hearing documents; local example only. Full PDF, statewide court deadlines and individual statutes not reviewed. Wider checked date retained.
Not read for this page (10)
- Code provisions other than the selected sections listed as read below, including the remaining Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the separate title 66, chapter 7 rules.
- The Public Chapters (session laws) that amended the landlord-tenant chapters since 1997, and the original 1975 Act behind most sections.
- A verified county-by-county 2010 census coverage list, property-specific exclusions and incorporated federal housing-program regulations.
- The court and eviction statutes: General Sessions Court limits (T.C.A. 16-15-501) and forcible entry and detainer (title 29, chapter 18).
- The smoke detector sections (T.C.A. 68-120-111, 68-120-112, 68-120-118 and 68-102-151).
- City and county codes, local housing-program rules, incorporated attainable-housing statutes 13-3-601 and 13-4-401, and Davidson County registration under 66-28-107.
- The legal holiday list (T.C.A. 15-1-101), title 47, chapter 10, and any Tennessee returned-check statute.
- Tennessee's fair housing law, the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. 3955) and Tennessee case law on late fees and habitability.
- T.C.A. 58-1-606, cited by an earlier Rentari servicemember clause. Its subject was never confirmed, so any Tennessee servicemember lease right beyond 50 U.S.C. 3955 is unread.
- T.C.A. 66-28-517 and 66-7-104, and the text of the 2015 to 2026 acts on violent conduct, older-persons housing, eviction-service video and firearms, known here only from General Assembly summaries.