Tenant rights in Tennessee: deposits, notices and eviction

Notice for late rent: 14 days; T.C.A. §66-28-505(a)(1)-(2)
Month-to-month notice: 30 days; T.C.A. §66-28-512(b)

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

What the law says

The rules, one by one

The basic rules for renting in Tennessee, answered with state law and its citation.

Tap “What the law says” to read the exact text and see where it comes from.

If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?

14 days

Where Tennessee's URLTA applies (17 counties), if you break the rental agreement, for example by not paying rent, the landlord may give you a written notice saying what you failed to do. If it can be fixed by paying the rent or another amount you owe under the agreement, the notice may tell you that the agreement will end if you do not fix it within 14 days after you receive it.

What the law says · T.C.A. §66-28-505(a)(1)-(2)

“Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b), if there is a material noncompliance by the tenant with the rental agreement or a noncompliance with § 66-28-401 materially affecting health and safety, the landlord may deliver a written notice to the tenant specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement shall terminate as provided in subdivisions (a)(2) or (a)(3). (2) If the breach for which notice was given in subdivision (a)(1) is remediable by the payment of rent, the cost of repairs, damages, or any other amount due to the landlord pursuant to the rental agreement, the landlord may inform the tenant that if the breach is not remedied within fourteen (14) days after receipt of such notice, the rental agreement shall terminate”

Source: Tennessee General Assembly (2011 Public Chapter 272, HB1760, House Amendment 1) · Verified on October 24, 2026
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?

30 days

Where Tennessee's URLTA applies (17 counties), you or the landlord may end a month-to-month tenancy with a written notice given at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice.

What the law says · T.C.A. §66-28-512(b)

“Under present law, the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (which applies in counties with a population of more than 75,000) provides that a landlord or tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least 30 days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice.”

Source: Tennessee General Assembly (official bill summary of SB2443/HB2544, 2020) · Verified on October 24, 2026
Are there limits on late fees?

Where Tennessee's URLTA applies (17 counties), you have a five-day grace period that starts on the day rent is due, and that day counts. If the last day falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, the landlord cannot charge a late fee if you pay on the next business day. A late fee cannot exceed 10% of the past-due rent.

What the law says · T.C.A. §66-28-201(d)

“There shall be a five-day grace period beginning the day the rent was due to the day a fee for the late payment of rent may be charged. The date the rent was due shall be included in the calculation of the five-day grace period. If the last day of the five-day grace period occurs on a Sunday or legal holiday, as defined in § 15-1-101, the landlord shall not impose any charge or fee for the late payment of rent, provided that the rent is paid on the next business day. Any charge or fee, however described, which is charged by the landlord for the late payment of rent, shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the amount of rent past due.”

Source: Tennessee General Assembly (2011 Public Chapter 272, HB1760, House Amendment 1) · Verified on October 24, 2026

Eviction

How an eviction works in Tennessee

Step by step, with the time periods the law sets. No landlord can skip the court.

Compare with other states

Written 14-day notice to pay (URLTA counties)

at least 14 days

What the law says · T.C.A. §66-28-505(a)(2)

“If the breach for which notice was given in subdivision (a)(1) is remediable by the payment of rent, the cost of repairs, damages, or any other amount due to the landlord pursuant to the rental agreement, the landlord may inform the tenant that if the breach is not remedied within fourteen (14) days after receipt of such notice, the rental agreement shall terminate”

capitol.tn.gov
Detainer warrant: served in person or, after 3 attempts, posted on the door and mailed at least 6 days before the hearing

at least 6 days

What the law says · T.C.A. §29-18-115(e)(2)

“If, after attempting personal service of process on three (3) different dates and documenting such attempts on the face of the warrant, the sheriff, sheriff's deputy, constable, or private process server is unable to serve any such one (1) named defendant personally, service of process for determining the right of possession of the subject premises as to all who may have a contractual or possessory property right therein may be had by the sheriff, sheriff's deputy, constable, or private process server taking the following actions at least six (6) days prior to the date specified therein for the defendant or defendants to appear and make a defense: (A) Posting a copy of the warrant or summons on the door of the premises;”

capitol.tn.gov
Trial in general sessions court, at least 6 days after service

at least 6 days

What the law says · T.C.A. §29-18-117

“Under present law provisions for forcible entry and detainer, an officer serving a warrant must notify the defendant of the time and place of trial, the time not to be less than six days from the date of service.”

wapp.capitol.tn.gov
Appeal within 10 days, with bond

up to 10 days

What the law says · T.C.A. §29-18-128

“Present law provides that an appeal also exists in suits commenced before general sessions judges within the 10 days allowed by existing law, as in other cases.”

wapp.capitol.tn.gov
Writ of possession, not before 10 days after judgment

at least 10 days

What the law says · T.C.A. §29-18-126

“Present law provides that no execution or writ of possession must issue against the defendant upon any judgment, under the provisions of forcible entry and detainer, until after the lapse of 10 days from the rendition of the judgment.”

wapp.capitol.tn.gov

Free or low-cost legal help

If you get a notice or a court case, look for help early: the deadlines are short. These are official pages or pages the state courts link to.

Where to file a housing discrimination complaint

The Civil Rights Enforcement Division (CRED) of the Tennessee Attorney General's Office investigates alleged violations of the Tennessee Human Rights Act and the Tennessee Disability Act. These laws protect against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and education. Depending on the claim, protected characteristics may include race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion, familial status or disability. The quickest way to file is CRED's online complaint portal; a paper or Spanish form can be requested at CRED@ag.tn.gov or (615) 741-5825. All complaints must be filed within 180 days after the last discriminatory act.

Tennessee Attorney General's Office, Civil Rights Enforcement Division (CRED)

Rents and rental help in Tennessee

Frequently asked questions

What notice is required for late rent in Tennessee?

Where Tennessee's URLTA applies (17 counties), if you break the rental agreement, for example by not paying rent, the landlord may give you a written notice saying what you failed to do. If it can be fixed by paying the rent or another amount you owe under the agreement, the notice may tell you that the agreement will end if you do not fix it within 14 days after you receive it. (T.C.A. §66-28-505(a)(1)-(2))

How much notice ends a month-to-month rental in Tennessee?

Where Tennessee's URLTA applies (17 counties), you or the landlord may end a month-to-month tenancy with a written notice given at least 30 days before the rent due date named in the notice. (T.C.A. §66-28-512(b))

Are there limits on late fees in Tennessee?

Where Tennessee's URLTA applies (17 counties), you have a five-day grace period that starts on the day rent is due, and that day counts. If the last day falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, the landlord cannot charge a late fee if you pay on the next business day. A late fee cannot exceed 10% of the past-due rent. (T.C.A. §66-28-201(d))

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

Pending

What is left to verify

We have not yet verified these Tennessee rules in the law with their citation, so we do not show them. If you need them today, ask for free legal aid.

How much can they charge for a deposit? Not verified yet
When must they return my deposit? Not verified yet
How much notice before a rent increase? Not verified yet
Only a court order can remove you Not verified yet
Protection from retaliation Not verified yet
Protection related to immigration status Not verified yet
Repair and deduct from the rent Not verified yet

Your rights as a tenant in Tennessee

Key numbers in Tennessee