Tenant Rights in Clarksville, Tennessee

Last updated: April 2026

Clarksville is Tennessee's second-largest city and a fast-growing community in Montgomery County. Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies here — giving renters meaningful protections on deposits, repairs, and eviction.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No — Tennessee state law prohibits rent control (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102). Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
  • Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit amount plus damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).
  • Notice to Vacate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days written notice to terminate the tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512).
  • Just Cause Eviction: Tennessee does not require just cause for eviction. Landlords must follow the court eviction process and may not use self-help tactics.
  • Local Resources: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org), Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (tals.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Clarksville

Clarksville renters are protected by Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which applies in counties with populations over 75,000 — Montgomery County qualifies. The URLTA gives Clarksville tenants the right to a habitable home, a 30-day security deposit return, 30 days notice to terminate a month-to-month lease, and protection against landlord retaliation. Rent control is prohibited statewide by Tenn. Code § 66-35-102.

2. Does Clarksville Have Rent Control?

Clarksville has no rent control, and Tennessee state law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting it (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102). Landlords in Clarksville may raise rent by any amount. There is no required notice period for rent increases under Tennessee law, though your lease may specify one. If you are on a month-to-month lease and wish to leave after a rent increase, you must give 30 days written notice of your intent to vacate.

3. Tennessee State Tenant Protections That Apply in Clarksville

Because Montgomery County's population exceeds 75,000, Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies in Clarksville, providing these key protections:

  • Security Deposit Return (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301): Your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of any deductions. Failure to comply can make the landlord liable for the full deposit plus damages.
  • Warranty of Habitability (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304): Landlords must maintain habitable premises including working heat, plumbing, and structural safety. After written notice, landlords have 14 days to make repairs (or a reasonable time for emergencies). If the landlord fails, remedies include rent escrow and lease termination.
  • 30-Day Termination Notice (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512): Month-to-month tenants must receive 30 days written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy.
  • Anti-Retaliation (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants who report code violations, request repairs, or exercise any right under the URLTA.
  • No Self-Help Eviction (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505): Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of belongings without a court order are illegal. Landlords must file in sessions court and obtain a judgment before removing a tenant.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Clarksville

Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301, your Clarksville landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you vacate and provide a forwarding address. The landlord must include a written, itemized statement of any deductions for damages, cleaning, or unpaid rent — general or unsupported deductions are not allowed. If the landlord fails to return the deposit within 30 days or provides an inadequate accounting, you may be entitled to recover the full deposit plus additional damages. Always document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with dated photos, and send your forwarding address in writing.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Clarksville

To evict a tenant in Clarksville, a landlord must follow Tennessee's formal eviction process under the URLTA (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505). The process starts with a written notice: a 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate for nonpayment, a 14-day notice to cure for lease violations, or a 30-day notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. If you don't comply, the landlord must file a detainer warrant in Montgomery County Sessions Court. You will be served and have the right to attend the hearing and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment is entered can the landlord obtain a writ of possession. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing your belongings, or cutting utilities — is illegal under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505 and can result in damages against the landlord.

6. Resources for Clarksville Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clarksville have rent control?

No. Tennessee state law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting rent control (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102). Landlords in Clarksville may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Clarksville?

There is no limit on rent increases in Clarksville. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount. Tennessee law does not specify a required advance notice period for rent increases, though your lease may provide one. Check your lease terms and give 30 days notice if you decide to move out in response.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Clarksville?

Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301, your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days after you vacate and provide a forwarding address. The return must include an itemized written statement of deductions. Failure to comply can make the landlord liable for the full deposit plus damages.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Clarksville?

For nonpayment of rent, a 14-day notice to pay or vacate is required. For lease violations, a 14-day notice to cure or vacate. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must give at least 30 days written notice under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Clarksville?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505. Your landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order. If this happens, contact law enforcement and seek legal aid immediately.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Clarksville?

Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-304, your landlord must maintain habitable premises. Send a written repair request and keep a copy. If the landlord does not respond within 14 days (or a reasonable emergency timeframe), you may be able to place rent in escrow, terminate the lease, or seek other remedies. Contact Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee for guidance.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Clarksville and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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