Last updated: April 2026
Brentwood renters in Williamson County are covered by Tennessee's URLTA — but the state bans rent control and Brentwood has no local tenant ordinances. Here is what every Brentwood renter needs to know.
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Brentwood is an affluent city in Williamson County located immediately south of Nashville. Known for its high-income households and corporate headquarters, Brentwood also has a significant rental market spanning luxury apartments and single-family rental homes. Renters in Brentwood are governed by Tennessee state law — specifically the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-101 through 66-28-521 — which applies to Williamson County as a URLTA-covered jurisdiction.
Despite its wealth and prestige, Brentwood offers renters no additional legal protections beyond what Tennessee state law requires. The state prohibits rent control statewide, and Brentwood has no local tenant ordinances. The URLTA is the primary and essentially exclusive legal framework governing habitability standards, security deposit rules, eviction procedures, and notice requirements for Brentwood renters.
This guide provides general educational information only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters facing housing concerns should consult a qualified attorney or contact one of the legal aid organizations listed at the bottom of this page.
Brentwood has no rent control, and Tennessee law prohibits any local government from enacting it. The preemption statute, Tenn. Code § 66-35-102, explicitly bars cities and counties from adopting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This statewide prohibition applies equally to affluent communities like Brentwood and to every other Tennessee municipality.
A Brentwood landlord may raise rent by any amount. There are no caps, no annual increase limits, and no legal requirement for the landlord to justify the size of any increase. The only procedural requirement is adequate written notice before any tenancy change. For month-to-month tenants in Williamson County (a URLTA county), landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating or materially changing the tenancy under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512.
Brentwood's rental market is characterized by higher-end properties with correspondingly higher rents. The absence of rent control means landlords can pass on rising costs or respond to increased demand with rent hikes of any size. Renters should plan for this possibility when signing leases and evaluating renewal offers, particularly given Williamson County's consistently high demand.
Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-101 through 66-28-521, applies to Williamson County and governs the rights and obligations of Brentwood renters and their landlords.
Habitability: Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-304, landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition — functioning heat, plumbing, electrical systems, weathertight structure, and freedom from pest infestations. After the tenant provides written notice of a repair need, the landlord has 14 days to complete the repair (or a shorter time for emergencies). If the landlord fails to act, the tenant may pursue rent escrow, lease termination, or repair-and-deduct remedies. All repair requests should be in writing with copies retained by the tenant.
Security Deposit: Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized written statement of deductions (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301). Only unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear may be deducted. Wrongful withholding may entitle the tenant to the deposit amount plus additional damages in a civil action.
Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants in Williamson County are entitled to at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). Tenants must also provide 30 days' notice when they intend to vacate.
Anti-Retaliation: Tenn. Code § 66-28-514 prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for reporting housing code violations, contacting government agencies, or exercising legal rights under the URLTA. Retaliation may be raised as a defense in eviction proceedings.
Self-Help Eviction Prohibited: Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505, landlords may not change locks, remove doors, shut off utilities, or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order. Such conduct is prohibited and may expose the landlord to civil liability.
Security deposit protections for Brentwood renters are established under Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-301 through 66-28-306, part of the URLTA framework applicable in Williamson County.
Return Deadline: After vacating the unit, the landlord has 30 days to return the full deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions and any remaining balance (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301(g)). Each deduction must be described in writing. Failure to comply may entitle the tenant to the deposit plus additional damages through a civil claim.
Allowable Deductions: Only unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear may be deducted. Normal wear and tear — minor paint scuffs, small nail holes, routine carpet wear — cannot be charged to the tenant. Document the unit's condition with dated photographs at move-in and move-out.
Filing a Claim: If your deposit is wrongfully withheld, you may file a civil claim in Williamson County General Sessions Court. The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org) can provide guidance if you have difficulty navigating the process.
Evictions in Brentwood must follow the formal legal process under Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-505 through 66-28-507. Self-help eviction is prohibited; landlords must obtain a court order before removing a tenant.
Step 1 — Written Notice:
Step 2 — Filing: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a detainer warrant at Williamson County General Sessions Court. A hearing date is scheduled and the tenant is served.
Step 3 — Hearing: Both parties present their case. Tenants may raise defenses including improper notice, habitability violations, or retaliation (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514). The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org) can assist eligible tenants with legal representation.
Step 4 — Judgment: If the landlord prevails, the tenant may appeal or must vacate. The landlord may then obtain a writ of possession executed by law enforcement. Only a court officer may physically remove a tenant — not the landlord.
No. Brentwood does not have rent control, and Tennessee state law (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102) prohibits any city or county from enacting it. Landlords in Brentwood may raise rent by any amount with no legal caps or percentage limits.
There is no legal limit on rent increases in Brentwood. Tennessee's preemption statute bars all local rent regulation. For month-to-month tenancies in Williamson County (a URLTA county), your landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating or materially modifying the tenancy under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512, but there is no cap on the amount of any increase.
Your landlord has 30 days after you vacate to return the deposit with an itemized written statement of deductions under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301. If the landlord fails to comply, you may be entitled to the deposit amount plus additional damages. Claims can be filed in Williamson County General Sessions Court.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give at least 14 days' written notice to pay or vacate (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505(a)). For lease violations, 14 days' notice is also required. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days' written notice is required in Williamson County under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Tennessee under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove doors, cut off utilities, or remove your belongings without a court order. If this occurs, document the situation and contact the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org) immediately.
Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-304, landlords in URLTA counties must maintain habitable conditions. Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. If the landlord does not respond within 14 days, you may have remedies including rent escrow, lease termination, or repair-and-deduct. Contact the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org) for guidance.
This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects laws in effect as of April 2026, but tenant rights laws can change. The application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or another housing issue, consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or contact one of the legal aid organizations listed above. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation or legal advice.
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