Tennessee
Tenant Rights.
This guide provides a detailed overview of landlord-tenant laws in the State of Tennessee.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
What rights do tenants have in Tennessee?
Tenants in Tennessee are protected by state law that governs security deposit limits, the notice a landlord must give before eviction, basic habitability standards (heat, water, electrical, locks), and the deadline for returning your deposit after move-out. Local cities in Tennessee sometimes add stronger protections on top of these state-wide rules.
Tenant rights information for Tennessee is not yet available.
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Quick reference table.
| Issue | Rule in URLTA Counties | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | None | N/A |
| Deposit Return | 30 Days | T.C.A. § 66-28-301 |
| Rent Grace Period | 5 Days | T.C.A. § 66-28-201 |
| Notice for Entry (Repairs) | Reasonable Notice | T.C.A. § 66-28-403 |
| Notice for Entry (Showings) | 24 Hours (Last 30 days of lease) | T.C.A. § 66-28-403(e) |
| Eviction (Nonpayment) | 14 Days (May be waived in lease) | T.C.A. § 66-28-505(b) |
| Rent Control | Prohibited by State Law | T.C.A. § 66-35-102 |
These Tennessee cities layer extra tenant protections on top of state law: Bristol, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Cleveland, Collierville, Columbia, Cookeville, Farragut, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Hermitage, Jackson, Johnson City, Knoxville, Lebanon, Madison, Martin, Memphis, Morristown, Mount Juliet, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Oak Ridge, Ooltewah.
Frequently Asked
Security deposit limits in Tennessee are set by state law and typically apply per lease, not per tenant. The exact cap, allowed deductions, and the deadline for returning the deposit are defined in the Tennessee statutes section above; deadlines vary by state, so check that section for the specific rule that applies to your lease. Always document the unit's condition with photos at move-in and move-out so you can dispute improper deductions.
Find student apartments in Tennessee
Browse off-campus housing across every Tennessee university with tenant reviews, walk and safety scores, and percentile-trimmed price bands.
Disclaimer: Information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.