Tenant Rights in La Vergne, Tennessee

Last updated: April 2026

La Vergne is in Rutherford County, where Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies. There is no rent control, but URLTA provides meaningful protections on security deposits, repairs, and eviction procedures.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No rent control. Tennessee prohibits local rent control ordinances statewide (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102).
  • Security Deposit: No statutory cap in TN. Landlord must return deposit within 30 days of move-out with itemized statement (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).
  • Notice to Vacate: 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy in a URLTA county like Rutherford County (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512).
  • Just Cause Eviction: No just-cause requirement. Landlords may decline to renew a lease for any lawful, non-discriminatory reason.
  • Local Resources: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org), Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (tals.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in La Vergne

La Vergne is a fast-growing city of roughly 40,000 in Rutherford County, Tennessee, situated between Nashville and Murfreesboro along I-24. Rutherford County's population exceeds 75,000, meaning Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies to all residential tenancies in La Vergne. URLTA provides protections on security deposits, habitability, repairs, retaliation, and eviction procedures — more robust than the common-law rules that apply in smaller counties.

Like all Tennessee cities, La Vergne has no rent control. Tenn. Code § 66-35-102 explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances.

2. Does La Vergne Have Rent Control?

La Vergne has no rent control. Tennessee state law at Tenn. Code § 66-35-102 prohibits all local rent control ordinances. There is no cap on how much a landlord may raise rent at lease renewal, provided proper notice is given. For a month-to-month tenancy in a URLTA county, 30 days' advance written notice is required before a rent increase or lease termination takes effect.

3. Tennessee State Tenant Protections That Apply in La Vergne

Because La Vergne is in Rutherford County (population well above 75,000), Tennessee's URLTA applies:

  • Security deposit return: Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized deduction statement within 30 days of move-out. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).
  • Notice to terminate: 30 days' written notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). For nonpayment, a 14-day pay-or-quit notice is the first step (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505).
  • Repairs and habitability: Landlords must maintain habitable premises. After written notice, landlords have 14 days to begin repairs; tenants may seek rent escrow or lease termination if repairs are not made (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304).
  • Retaliation protection: Landlords cannot evict or raise rent in retaliation for tenant reports of code violations or exercise of legal rights (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514).
  • Self-help eviction prohibition: Lockouts and utility shutoffs to force a tenant out are illegal (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505).

4. Security Deposit Rules in La Vergne

Tennessee's URLTA sets no statutory cap on security deposits for La Vergne tenants. However, under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301, landlords must return the deposit — with a written itemized list of deductions — within 30 days of move-out. If the landlord fails to return it in time or withholds amounts improperly, you may be entitled to the deposit amount plus damages.

Protect yourself by conducting a walkthrough inspection at move-in and move-out, documenting the condition with dated photographs. Request that your landlord provide a written move-in checklist and note any pre-existing damage before you sign or move in.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in La Vergne

In La Vergne, the eviction process is governed by Tennessee's URLTA and the unlawful detainer statute. For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a 14-day pay-or-quit notice (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505). For lease violations, a written notice to cure or vacate is required. For non-renewal, 30 days' written notice is required for month-to-month tenancies.

After the notice period expires, the landlord files an eviction complaint in Rutherford County General Sessions Court. You will receive a court date. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing property, or shutting off utilities — is illegal in Tennessee. Only the court can order your removal, carried out by the Rutherford County Sheriff.

6. Resources for La Vergne Tenants

  • Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: Free civil legal services for income-eligible residents, including La Vergne — las.org
  • Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services: Statewide legal help referral and resources — tals.org
  • Rutherford County General Sessions Court: Landlord-tenant and eviction filings — rutherfordcountytn.gov
  • Tennessee Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Info: Overview of tenant rights under URLTA — tn.gov/attorneygeneral

Frequently Asked Questions

Does La Vergne have rent control?

No. Tenn. Code § 66-35-102 prohibits local rent control ordinances throughout Tennessee. Landlords in La Vergne may raise rent by any amount at renewal, with proper 30 days' advance written notice for month-to-month tenancies.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in La Vergne?

There is no cap on rent increases in La Vergne. Tennessee has no statewide rent control. Your landlord must give 30 days' written notice before raising the rent on a month-to-month tenancy.

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

Under URLTA (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301), your landlord must return the deposit with an itemized deduction statement within 30 days of move-out. Wrongful withholding can result in you recovering the deposit plus damages.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in La Vergne?

For nonpayment of rent, a 14-day pay-or-quit notice is required (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505). For non-renewal of a month-to-month lease, 30 days' written notice is required (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). Formal eviction requires a court filing in Rutherford County General Sessions Court.

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

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Tennessee under URLTA. A landlord who locks you out or shuts off utilities without a court order can be held liable for damages. Contact Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee at las.org immediately.

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

Under URLTA (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304), notify your landlord in writing. If serious repairs are not started within 14 days, you may petition the court for rent escrow, seek a rent reduction, or terminate the lease. Contact the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee at las.org for assistance.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change; consult a licensed Tennessee attorney for advice specific to your situation.

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