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Farragut is one of Tennessee's most affluent and fastest-growing towns, situated in western Knox County just outside Knoxville. With a population of roughly 24,000 and a high share of single-family rental homes, many Farragut renters are families and professionals who may be unfamiliar with their rights under Tennessee law. Because Knox County's population exceeds 75,000, Farragut renters are protected by Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-101 through 66-28-521, which provides important baseline protections not available in smaller Tennessee counties.
The most common tenant questions in Farragut concern rent increases, security deposit returns, and the eviction process. Tennessee law does not cap rent increases or require landlords to justify raising rent — but it does require proper written notice, imposes strict deadlines on deposit returns, and prohibits landlords from using illegal self-help measures such as lockouts or utility shutoffs. Understanding which rules apply and where to find help is essential for Farragut renters navigating disputes with landlords.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and local regulations can change, and individual circumstances vary. If you have a specific legal problem, consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or a local legal aid organization.
Farragut has no rent control, and no Tennessee city or county may enact one. Tennessee state law explicitly preempts all local rent control ordinances under Tenn. Code § 66-35-102, which states that no county, municipality, or other political subdivision may enact, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that would regulate the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial rental property. This preemption applies statewide and leaves no room for Farragut — or any other Tennessee locality — to create rent stabilization rules.
In practical terms, this means your landlord in Farragut can raise your rent by any amount, at any time, as long as proper written notice is given before the increase takes effect. For month-to-month tenants, that means at least 30 days' written notice under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512. For tenants with a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be raised mid-lease unless the lease specifically allows it — but at renewal, the landlord may propose any new rent figure. You are free to negotiate or vacate if you disagree with the new terms.
Because Farragut sits within Knox County, which has a population well over 75,000, the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-101 through 66-28-521, applies to nearly all residential rentals in town. The following are the key protections that act grants to Farragut renters.
Habitability & Repairs (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304): Landlords must keep rental units in a fit and habitable condition, maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and structural systems, and comply with applicable building and housing codes. If a landlord fails to make a necessary repair, you must provide written notice. The landlord then has 14 days (or a reasonable time in emergencies) to remedy the issue. If they do not, you may be entitled to remedies including rent escrow, repair-and-deduct (in some circumstances), or lease termination.
Security Deposits (Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-301 through 66-28-305): Landlords must return your security deposit — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days of move-out. If a landlord wrongfully withholds the deposit or fails to meet this deadline, you may be entitled to recover the withheld amount plus additional damages.
Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512): For month-to-month tenancies, either the landlord or tenant must give at least 30 days' written notice before termination. This applies to non-renewal as well as mid-tenancy terminations.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514): Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who report code violations to a government agency, complain to the landlord about habitability issues, or exercise any other legal right. Retaliatory acts include raising rent, reducing services, or attempting to evict. If a landlord takes adverse action within a protected period, there is a rebuttable presumption of retaliation.
Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505): A landlord may not remove a tenant by changing locks, removing doors or windows, cutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings without a court order. These self-help measures are illegal under URLTA regardless of whether the tenant owes back rent.
Tennessee's URLTA governs security deposits for Farragut rentals under Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-301 through 66-28-305. There is no statutory cap on the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit in Tennessee, so landlords may set deposit amounts at their discretion — typically equivalent to one or two months' rent.
Return Deadline: After you vacate, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit in full or provide a written, itemized statement of any deductions along with the remaining balance. Allowable deductions include unpaid rent and actual damages beyond normal wear and tear. The 30-day clock generally begins when the tenancy ends and you have surrendered possession of the unit.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If your landlord fails to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 days without a legally justifiable reason, you may be entitled to recover the full deposit amount plus additional damages under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301. Courts have the discretion to award the wrongfully withheld amount as well as compensatory damages in some circumstances.
Practical Tips: Document the condition of your unit thoroughly at both move-in and move-out with dated photographs and written records. Provide your landlord with a forwarding address in writing — courts look unfavorably on tenants who make it impossible to send the deposit back. Keep a copy of your lease and any move-in inspection reports as evidence.
In Farragut, as throughout Knox County, evictions are governed by Tennessee's URLTA (Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-501 through 66-28-521) and the unlawful detainer statutes at Tenn. Code §§ 29-18-101 et seq. The process is strictly regulated — landlords must follow each step or risk having the case dismissed.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, the landlord must provide the tenant with written notice. The required notice period depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing in Sessions Court: If the tenant does not comply with or respond to the notice within the required period, the landlord may file an unlawful detainer action in Knox County General Sessions Court. The court will schedule a hearing, and the tenant must be properly served with the summons.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear before a General Sessions judge. Tenants have the right to present defenses, including payment of rent, habitability issues, improper notice, or retaliation. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, a judgment for possession is entered.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If the tenant does not vacate after judgment, the landlord must obtain a Writ of Possession from the court. Only a sheriff or court officer may remove the tenant using this writ — the landlord cannot personally force a removal.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505, a landlord may not lock out a tenant, cut off utilities, remove the tenant's belongings, or otherwise interfere with peaceful possession outside the court process. Violations of this prohibition can expose the landlord to liability for damages and may be grounds for the tenant to remain in possession.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects general Tennessee state law and is intended to help Farragut renters understand their rights — it is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Tennessee attorney. Laws, ordinances, and court interpretations can change, and individual circumstances may significantly affect how the law applies to your situation. If you have a specific legal problem or dispute with your landlord, consult a qualified attorney or contact a local legal aid organization. RentCheckMe makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.
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