Last updated: April 2026
Kingsport renters are governed by Tennessee state law — with protections that depend in part on whether the URLTA applies in Sullivan County. Here is what every Kingsport tenant needs to know.
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Kingsport is a city in Sullivan County and 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. Sullivan County's population is near that threshold, and the applicability of the URLTA may be uncertain. Where common law governs instead, your rights depend primarily on 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 in Kingsport.
Kingsport has no rent control, and Tennessee law 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, the minimum notice is 10 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). Review your lease for any longer notice requirements.
Tennessee law provides the following key protections for Kingsport 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 in Sullivan County, your lease terms are the primary governing document. Always document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with dated photos and a written checklist.
To evict a tenant in Kingsport, a landlord must first provide written notice. In URLTA counties, for nonpayment of rent, that is 14 days' notice to pay or vacate. For a month-to-month termination in URLTA counties, 30 days' written notice is required; in non-URLTA counties, the minimum is 10 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). If you do not comply, the landlord must file a Detainer Warrant in Sullivan 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. Kingsport 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 Kingsport or anywhere in Tennessee. 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, 30 days is required. 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 Sullivan 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 Sullivan County Sessions Court.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal throughout Tennessee. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your property, or shut off utilities without a court order (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505). Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee immediately if this occurs.
Send your repair request in writing and keep a copy. In URLTA counties, landlords must make repairs within 14 days of written notice, with remedies including rent escrow and lease termination (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304). In non-URLTA areas, contact Kingsport'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 Kingsport, TN and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or legal aid organization.
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