Tenant Rights in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Last updated: April 2026

Murfreesboro is one of Tennessee's fastest-growing cities, with a large student and professional renter population in Rutherford County. Tennessee's URLTA applies here, giving renters important protections on deposits, repairs, and eviction.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: No — Tennessee state law prohibits rent control (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102). Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
  • Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding can make the landlord liable for the full deposit plus damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).
  • Notice to Vacate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days written notice to terminate the tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512).
  • Just Cause Eviction: Tennessee does not require just cause for eviction. Landlords must follow the court eviction process and may not use self-help tactics.
  • Local Resources: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org), Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (tals.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro renters are protected by Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which applies in counties with populations over 75,000. Rutherford County's population exceeds that threshold, so URLTA's full suite of tenant protections applies — including habitability requirements, deposit return rules, retaliation prohibitions, and mandatory court process for evictions. The city has not enacted additional tenant protections beyond state law.

2. Does Murfreesboro Have Rent Control?

Murfreesboro has no rent control. Tennessee state law prohibits all local governments from enacting rent control ordinances (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102). Landlords may raise rent by any amount. Your lease may specify a required notice period for rent increases — review your agreement carefully. If you are on a month-to-month lease, you can terminate with 30 days written notice if a rent hike is unacceptable.

3. Tennessee State Tenant Protections That Apply in Murfreesboro

Because Rutherford County's population exceeds 75,000, Tennessee's URLTA applies in Murfreesboro, providing these key protections:

  • Security Deposit Return (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301): Your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized written statement of deductions. Wrongful retention can make the landlord liable for the full deposit plus damages.
  • Warranty of Habitability (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304): Landlords must maintain safe and habitable premises. After written notice, they have 14 days to make repairs (or a reasonable time for emergencies). Remedies include rent escrow and lease termination.
  • 30-Day Termination Notice (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512): Month-to-month tenants must receive 30 days written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy.
  • Anti-Retaliation (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, requesting repairs, or exercising legal rights.
  • No Self-Help Eviction (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505): Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of belongings without a court order are illegal.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Murfreesboro

Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301, your Murfreesboro landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you vacate and provide a forwarding address. A written itemized statement of deductions must be included. If the landlord fails to meet this deadline or deducts amounts without proper documentation, you may be entitled to recover the full deposit plus additional damages. Document the unit's condition with photos at move-in and move-out, and always submit your forwarding address in writing.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro landlords must follow Tennessee's formal eviction process under the URLTA (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505). For nonpayment of rent, a 14-day notice to pay or vacate is required. For lease violations, a 14-day notice to cure or vacate. To terminate a month-to-month lease, 30 days written notice is required. If you don't comply, the landlord must file a detainer warrant in Rutherford County Sessions Court. You have the right to appear, present a defense, and contest the eviction. A court judgment is required before any writ of possession can be issued. Self-help eviction is illegal under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505.

6. Resources for Murfreesboro Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Murfreesboro have rent control?

No. Tennessee state law prohibits local governments from enacting rent control (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102). Landlords in Murfreesboro may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Murfreesboro?

There is no cap on rent increases in Murfreesboro. Landlords can raise rent by any amount. Tennessee law does not require a specific notice period for increases beyond what your lease states. If a rent increase is unacceptable on a month-to-month lease, you may terminate with 30 days written notice.

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

Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301, your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days after you move out and provide a forwarding address, along with an itemized statement of deductions. Wrongful retention can result in liability for the full deposit plus additional damages.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Murfreesboro?

For nonpayment of rent, a 14-day notice to pay or vacate is required. For lease violations, a 14-day notice to cure or vacate. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, at least 30 days written notice is required under Tenn. Code § 66-28-512.

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

No. Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505, self-help eviction is illegal. Your landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or cut utilities to force you out. Document any violations and contact Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee.

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

Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-304, landlords must maintain habitable premises. 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 or lease termination. Contact Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee for guidance.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Murfreesboro and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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