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TN LANDLORD-TENANT LAW

Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Security deposit limits, notice requirements, eviction process, late fees, and more for Tennessee landlords. All citations reference actual Tennessee statutes.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes with your state legislature or consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.
Security DepositNotice PeriodEvictionLate FeeLease TerminationRent IncreaseHabitabilityLandlord EntryFair Housing
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Security Deposit Rules

Tenn. Code § 66-28-301
No statutory limit on deposit amount. Must be returned within 30 days after lease termination or move-out. Itemized list of damages must accompany any deductions.
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Notice Period Requirements

Tenn. Code § 66-28-512
Month-to-month requires 30 days notice. Lease violation: 14 days notice to cure for non-compliance, 14 days for nonpayment.
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⚖️

Eviction Process

Tenn. Code § 66-28-505
Nonpayment: 14-day notice to pay or vacate (30 days if lease does not contain specific provision). Lease violation: 14-day notice. Court filing (detainer warrant) required.
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Late Fee Rules

Tenn. Code § 66-28-201
No statutory cap on late fees. Grace period of 5 days required before late fee can be charged. Fee terms must be specified in lease.
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📄

Lease Termination

Tenn. Code § 66-28-512
Fixed-term ends per lease. Month-to-month: 30 days notice. Early termination for military deployment or domestic violence (with protection order).
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Rent Increase Rules

Tenn. Code § 66-28-201
No rent control. Tennessee preempts local rent control. No statutory limit on increases. Proper notice required for month-to-month.
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Habitability Standards

Tenn. Code § 66-28-304
Landlord must comply with building and housing codes, keep common areas safe, maintain plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and provide running water and heat.
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Landlord Entry Rules

Tenn. Code § 66-28-403
No specific statute on landlord entry notice. Reasonable notice recommended. Emergency entry permitted. Lease should define entry terms.
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Fair Housing Protections

Tenn. Code § 4-21-601
Tennessee Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, and disability. Does not specifically list familial status at state level (federal FHA applies).
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