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Goodlettsville is a small city straddling Davidson and Sumner counties in Middle Tennessee, situated just north of Nashville. A significant share of Goodlettsville residents rent their homes, and many turn to state law for guidance on their rights since the city has no separate tenant protection ordinances of its own.
Because Goodlettsville falls within Davidson County — a county with a population well over 75,000 — it is governed by Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), found at Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-101 through 66-28-521. This means Goodlettsville renters enjoy stronger statutory protections than tenants in smaller, rural Tennessee counties, including enforceable habitability standards, clear security deposit rules, and anti-retaliation provisions.
This page provides a plain-language summary of the tenant rights laws that apply to renters in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and individual circumstances vary — consult a licensed attorney or local legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Goodlettsville has no rent control, and Tennessee law forbids any city or county from enacting it. Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-35-102 explicitly preempts all local rent control ordinances, stating that no county or municipality may enact any ordinance or resolution which would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for privately owned residential property. This statewide ban has been in place for decades and was reaffirmed by the Tennessee General Assembly in recent legislative sessions.
In practical terms, this means your landlord in Goodlettsville can raise your rent by any amount, at any time, as long as they provide the legally required advance notice before the increase takes effect. There is no cap on how much rent can be increased, no limit on how often increases can occur, and no city board or agency to appeal a rent hike to. Renters facing large increases have no legal recourse to challenge the amount itself — their primary options are to accept the new rent, negotiate privately with the landlord, or choose not to renew their lease.
Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-101 et seq., applies in all Tennessee counties with a population exceeding 75,000, including Davidson County where Goodlettsville is primarily located. The following protections apply to most Goodlettsville residential tenants:
Habitability & Repairs (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304): Landlords must maintain rental units in a fit and habitable condition, comply with building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety, keep common areas clean and safe, and ensure heating, plumbing, and electrical systems are in working order. After a tenant provides written notice of a needed repair, the landlord has 14 days to remedy the problem, or a reasonable time in the case of an emergency. If the landlord fails to act, tenants may pursue remedies including rent escrow, repair-and-deduct (subject to statutory limits), or lease termination.
Security Deposit Rules (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 through § 66-28-306): Landlords must return the security deposit — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days of the tenant vacating the unit. Deposits may only be withheld for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other specific lease violations. See the Security Deposit section below for full details.
Notice Requirements (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512): A landlord must give a month-to-month tenant at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy. Tenants must provide the same 30-day notice to the landlord. For lease violations — such as non-payment of rent — landlords must provide a written notice to pay or vacate before filing for eviction (typically 14 days for non-payment under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505).
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 right protected under the URLTA. Prohibited retaliatory acts include raising rent, reducing services, or threatening eviction. A court may presume retaliation if adverse action occurs within six months of the tenant's protected activity.
Lockout & Utility Shutoff Prohibition (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505): Self-help eviction is illegal in Tennessee. A landlord may not remove a tenant by changing the locks, removing doors or windows, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings without a valid court order. Tenants subjected to such actions may seek immediate reinstatement and damages through the courts.
Tennessee's URLTA (Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-301 through 66-28-306) governs security deposits for rental units in Goodlettsville. There is no statutory cap on the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit in Tennessee — landlords may require any amount they choose, though market norms typically range from one to two months' rent.
Return Deadline: After a tenant vacates the unit, the landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit in full, or to provide the tenant with a written, itemized statement listing each deduction and the dollar amount for each item. The itemized statement must be accompanied by any remaining balance of the deposit (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301(g)).
Permitted Deductions: Landlords may lawfully deduct from the deposit for unpaid rent, damage to the unit beyond normal wear and tear, and other specific lease violations outlined in the rental agreement. Normal wear and tear — such as minor scuffs, small nail holes, or carpet wear from ordinary use — cannot be charged against the deposit.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within 30 days without lawful cause, the tenant is entitled to recover the full deposit amount plus any actual damages sustained, along with court costs and potentially attorney's fees (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301). To protect your rights, document the unit's condition with photos or video at move-in and move-out, and provide your forwarding address to the landlord in writing upon vacating.
Tennessee law requires landlords to follow a formal court process to evict a tenant in Goodlettsville. Self-help eviction — including changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — is illegal under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505 and may expose the landlord to liability for damages.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, the landlord must serve the tenant with a written notice. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing a Detainer Warrant: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an Unlawful Detainer (detainer warrant) in Davidson County General Sessions Court. The court will schedule a hearing, typically within 6–15 days. The tenant will be served with the detainer warrant and must appear at the hearing to contest the eviction.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: At the General Sessions hearing, both parties may present evidence. If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, a judgment for possession is issued. Tenants have the right to appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days of the judgment by posting an appeal bond (Tenn. Code § 29-18-130).
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If the tenant does not vacate voluntarily after judgment, the landlord may request a Writ of Possession from the court. A sheriff's deputy will then carry out the physical removal of the tenant and their belongings. Only a court officer may enforce the removal — the landlord may not do so independently.
Illegal Self-Help Eviction: Any landlord who locks out a tenant, removes their property, or shuts off utilities without a court order is violating Tenn. Code § 66-28-505. Affected tenants may seek a court order restoring possession and may recover actual damages plus attorney's fees.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws in Tennessee can change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Goodlettsville renters with questions about their legal rights should consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization such as the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & The Cumberlands. RentCheckMe makes no warranties about the completeness or accuracy of this information and is not responsible for any actions taken in reliance on it.
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