Last updated: April 2026
Johnson City renters are governed by Tennessee state law — including the URLTA where it applies by county population — which sets rules on deposits, habitability, and eviction. Here is what every Johnson City tenant needs to know.
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Johnson City is the largest city in Washington County and a key part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area in Northeast Tennessee. Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies in counties with populations over 75,000. Washington County's population is below that threshold, meaning common law — rather than the URLTA — may govern most rental relationships in Johnson City. In that case, your rights depend primarily on your lease terms and local housing codes. Regardless, self-help eviction is illegal statewide and landlords must obtain a court order before removing any tenant. Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee for guidance specific to your situation.
Johnson City has no rent control, and Tennessee law expressly prohibits rent control statewide. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, but must provide written notice. In URLTA counties, at least 30 days' written notice is required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. In non-URLTA counties (which may include Washington County), the minimum is just 10 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). Review your lease for any notice requirements that may be longer.
Tennessee law provides the following key protections for Johnson City tenants:
Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 (URLTA), landlords in covered counties must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written, itemized statement of deductions. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus damages. If the URLTA does not apply to your tenancy in Washington County, your lease terms are paramount. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with dated photos and written notes.
To evict a tenant in Johnson City, a landlord must first provide written notice. In URLTA counties, the landlord must give 14 days' notice to pay or vacate for nonpayment of rent, and 30 days' notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. In non-URLTA counties, the minimum termination notice is 10 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). If you do not comply, the landlord must file a Detainer Warrant in Washington County Sessions Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and writ of possession may the constable remove you. Self-help eviction is prohibited statewide under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505.
No. Johnson City has no rent control ordinance, and Tennessee law prohibits rent control statewide. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper written notice.
There is no limit on rent increases in Johnson City or anywhere in Tennessee. In non-URLTA counties (which may include Washington County), the landlord must give at least 10 days' written notice before terminating a month-to-month tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). Check your lease for specific requirements.
In URLTA counties, landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement, and wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301). If the URLTA does not apply in Washington County, your lease terms govern. Document the unit's condition with photos.
In non-URLTA counties, the minimum notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy is 10 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). In URLTA counties, it is 30 days. For nonpayment of rent in URLTA counties, the landlord must give 14 days' notice. The landlord must then file a Detainer Warrant in Washington County Sessions Court.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal throughout Tennessee. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your property, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505). Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee immediately if this occurs.
Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. In URLTA counties, landlords must make repairs within 14 days of written notice (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304), with remedies including rent escrow and lease termination. In non-URLTA areas, contact Johnson City's code enforcement to report housing violations. Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee (laet.org) for guidance.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Johnson City, TN and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or legal aid organization.
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