Last updated: April 2026
Maryville renters in Blount County are covered by Tennessee's URLTA — but the state bans rent control and Maryville has no local tenant ordinances. Here is what every Maryville renter needs to know.
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Maryville is the county seat of Blount County, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains southwest of Knoxville. As a growing suburban city with proximity to Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park corridor, and manufacturing and healthcare employment centers, Maryville attracts a diverse rental population. Renters in Maryville are governed by Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-101 through 66-28-521, which applies to Blount County as a URLTA-covered jurisdiction.
Tennessee prohibits rent control statewide, and Maryville has no local tenant protection ordinances beyond what state law requires. The URLTA forms the primary legal framework for habitability standards, security deposit rules, eviction procedures, and notice requirements. Renters in Maryville should understand these state-level protections as they represent the full scope of their legal rights as tenants.
This guide provides general educational information only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters with housing concerns should consult a qualified attorney or contact one of the legal aid organizations listed at the bottom of this page.
Maryville has no rent control, and Tennessee state law prohibits any local government from enacting it. The preemption statute, Tenn. Code § 66-35-102, explicitly bars cities and counties across Tennessee from adopting rent control or rent stabilization measures. This statewide prohibition leaves Maryville landlords free to set and raise rents without limitation on the amount.
A Maryville landlord may raise rent by any amount. There are no percentage caps, no annual limits, and no requirement for the landlord to justify or explain the size of an increase. For month-to-month tenants in Blount County (a URLTA county), landlords must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating or materially changing the tenancy under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512 — but this is a procedural notice requirement, not a cap on the increase amount.
Renters in Maryville, particularly those on fixed incomes or with limited financial flexibility, should factor the absence of rent control into their housing planning. When evaluating a rental unit or lease renewal, understanding that any future rent increase is permissible regardless of size is an important part of informed tenant decision-making.
Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-101 through 66-28-521, applies to Blount County and governs the rights and obligations of Maryville renters and their landlords.
Habitability: Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-304, landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition — functioning heat, plumbing, electrical systems, weathertight structure, and freedom from pest infestations. After the tenant provides written notice of a repair need, the landlord has 14 days to make the repair (or a shorter reasonable time for emergencies). If the landlord fails to act, the tenant may pursue remedies including rent escrow, lease termination, or repair-and-deduct. Always put repair requests in writing and keep copies.
Security Deposit: Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out along with an itemized written statement of deductions (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301). Only unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear may be deducted. Wrongful withholding may entitle the tenant to the deposit amount plus additional damages.
Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants in Blount County are entitled to at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). Tenants must also provide 30 days' notice when they plan to vacate.
Anti-Retaliation: Tenn. Code § 66-28-514 prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for reporting housing code violations, contacting government agencies, or exercising legal rights under the URLTA. Retaliation may be raised as a defense in eviction proceedings.
Self-Help Eviction Prohibited: Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505, landlords may not change locks, remove doors, shut off utilities, or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order. Such conduct is illegal and may expose the landlord to civil liability.
Security deposit protections for Maryville renters are established under Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-301 through 66-28-306, part of the URLTA framework applicable in Blount County.
Return Deadline: After vacating the unit, the landlord has 30 days to return the full deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions with any remaining balance (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301(g)). Each deduction must be explained in writing. Failure to comply within 30 days may entitle the tenant to the deposit amount plus additional damages through a civil claim.
Allowable Deductions: Only unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear may be deducted. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, small nail holes, ordinary carpet wear — cannot be charged to the tenant. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with dated photographs and video.
Filing a Claim: If your deposit is wrongfully withheld, you may file a civil claim in Blount County General Sessions Court. Legal Aid of East Tennessee (laet.org) can provide guidance on the process.
Evictions in Maryville must follow the formal legal process under Tenn. Code §§ 66-28-505 through 66-28-507. Self-help eviction is prohibited; landlords must obtain a court order before removing a tenant.
Step 1 — Written Notice:
Step 2 — Filing: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a detainer warrant at Blount County General Sessions Court. A hearing date is scheduled and the tenant is served with notice.
Step 3 — Hearing: Both parties present their case. Tenants may raise defenses including improper notice, habitability violations, or retaliation (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514). Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee (laet.org) for free legal help before the hearing.
Step 4 — Judgment: If the landlord prevails, the tenant may appeal or must vacate. The landlord may then obtain a writ of possession executed by law enforcement. Only a court officer may physically remove a tenant.
No. Maryville does not have rent control, and Tennessee state law (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102) prohibits any city or county from enacting it. Landlords in Maryville may raise rent by any amount with no legal caps or percentage limits.
There is no legal limit on rent increases in Maryville. Tennessee's preemption statute bars all local rent regulation. For month-to-month tenancies in Blount County (a URLTA county), your landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating or materially modifying the tenancy under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512, but there is no cap on the amount of any increase.
Your landlord has 30 days after you vacate to return the deposit with an itemized written statement of deductions under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301. If the landlord fails to comply, you may be entitled to the deposit amount plus additional damages. Claims can be filed in Blount County General Sessions Court.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give at least 14 days' written notice to pay or vacate (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505(a)). For lease violations, 14 days' notice is required. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days' written notice is required in Blount County under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Tennessee under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove doors, cut off utilities, or remove your belongings without a court order. If this occurs, document the situation and contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee (laet.org) immediately.
Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-304, landlords in URLTA counties must maintain habitable conditions. Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. If the landlord does not respond within 14 days, you may have remedies including rent escrow, lease termination, or repair-and-deduct. Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee (laet.org) for guidance.
This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects laws in effect as of April 2026, but tenant rights laws can change. The application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or another housing issue, consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or contact one of the legal aid organizations listed above. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation or legal advice.
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