{"id":376508,"date":"2017-09-22T17:32:41","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T22:32:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-tenant-rights-laws.html"},"modified":"2019-06-07T23:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-06-08T04:00:00","slug":"tennessee-tenant-rights-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-tenant-rights-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee Tenant Rights Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tennessee Tenant Rights Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

As a party to a residential lease, it’s important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Your obligations include paying rent on time, complying with lease provisions, and providing appropriate notice when terminating a lease. Your rights include living in a safe and habitable environment, and being free from discrimination or retaliation. Landlords also have certain rights and obligations while both parties are bound by the terms of the rental agreement<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Tennessee Tenants Rights Laws: Summary<\/h2>\r\n

Tennessee has specific state laws that govern the relationship between landlords and tenants, protecting both parties’ interests. As a tenant, it’s helpful to be aware of certain laws regarding residential leases. For example, while Tennessee doesn’t regulate how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit<\/a>, a landlord is required to return it or explain why it is being withheld within 30 days of your move-out date.<\/p>\r\n

Also, it’s your landlord’s responsibility to maintain your unit in a "fit and habitable" condition. If your landlord refuses to make critical repairs after receiving notice of the issue, Tennessee law protects your right to repair and deduct<\/a>. This means that you can pay for the important repair out of pocket, and deduct the expense from your rent payment.<\/p>\r\n

Tennessee Tenant Rights Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n

If you’ve been evicted or believe your rights as a tenant have been violated, you’ll want to get a handle on your legal options. While statutes can be difficult to decipher, the following "plain English" summary of Tennessee tenant rights laws will help get you up to speed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Statutes<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Tennessee Code, Title 66, Chapter 28, Section 101<\/a>, et seq. (Uniform<\/i> Residential Landlord and Tenant Act<\/i>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Security Deposits<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Tennessee law doesn’t limit how much a landlord can require as a security deposit.<\/p>\r\n

A landlord must return the security deposit or an itemized list of deductions within 30 days<\/i><\/b> of tenant move-out<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Paying Rent<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

A landlord can charge late fee not exceeding 10%<\/i><\/b> of amount past due after rent is 5 days late.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Living Conditions<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

When it comes to living conditions, the following rules apply:<\/p>\r\n

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  • A landlord must make any repairs necessary to keep premises in "fit and habitable" condition.<\/li>\r\n
  • A tenant may "repair and deduct" if landlord fails to make important repairs.<\/li>\r\n
  • A tenant can’t unreasonably withhold consent for landlord to enter premises to make repairs.<\/li>\r\n
  • A landlord may enter unit without tenant consent only in the event of emergency.<\/li>\r\n
  • A landlord can’t abuse right of access to harass tenant.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Discrimination<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

It’s illegal for landlords to discriminate on the basis of:<\/p>\r\n

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  • Race<\/li>\r\n
  • Color<\/li>\r\n
  • National origin<\/li>\r\n
  • Religion<\/li>\r\n
  • Sex<\/li>\r\n
  • Family status; or<\/li>\r\n
  • Disability<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Ending or Renewing a Tenancy<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

If tenant is in material non-compliance with the lease, a landlord can terminate the lease after providing 14 days’ notice<\/i><\/b> to tenant.<\/p>\r\n

If a tenant has repeated an act that violates the lease or affects health or safety twice within 6 months, and the landlord provided notice of the first violation, the landlord can provide an unconditional notice to quit within 14 days<\/i><\/b>.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Retaliation<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Landlords can’t retaliate against tenants for exercising their legal rights.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Tennessee Tenants Rights Laws: Related Resources<\/h2>\r\n