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Springfield is the county seat of Robertson County and home to a growing population of renters who rely on state law for their tenant protections. Because Robertson County's population falls below 75,000, the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) does not automatically apply here — meaning most tenant-landlord disputes in Springfield are governed by Tennessee common law rather than the statutory framework used in larger cities like Nashville or Memphis.
This distinction matters practically: Springfield renters receive a shorter notice period before termination (10 days rather than 30), and some of the explicit statutory remedies available in URLTA counties — such as rent escrow for repairs — may not apply in the same way. However, core protections against self-help evictions, retaliatory conduct, and illegal lockouts remain enforceable under state law and general principles recognized by Tennessee courts.
This page is intended as an informational overview of the laws that affect Springfield renters. It is not legal advice. If you face an eviction, a dispute over your security deposit, or unsafe housing conditions, contact a licensed Tennessee attorney or a local legal aid organization for guidance specific to your situation.
Springfield has no rent control, and no Tennessee city does. Tennessee state law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinance, rule, or regulation that controls or limits the amount of rent a landlord may charge. This prohibition is codified at Tenn. Code § 66-35-102, which states that no county or municipality may enact or enforce any measure governing the amount of rent charged for private residential property.
The preemption was reinforced by the Tennessee legislature in recent years, firmly closing any possibility of a city like Springfield adopting rent stabilization on its own. In practical terms, this means your landlord can raise your rent by any amount — there is no cap, no formula, and no required justification. The only protection you have is the right to receive proper advance notice before a rent increase takes effect, and the ability to decline and move out if the increase is unacceptable. Renters should carefully review lease terms and renewal clauses before signing.
Because Robertson County is not a URLTA county, Springfield renters are primarily governed by Tennessee common law and select state statutes. Below is a summary of the key protections that apply.
Security Deposits (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301): Although URLTA's full security deposit framework technically applies in counties over 75,000, Tennessee courts broadly recognize a landlord's obligation to return deposits and account for deductions. In URLTA counties the statutory deadline is 30 days with an itemized statement; in non-URLTA counties like Robertson County, landlords should return deposits within a reasonable time. If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, a tenant may pursue the deposit amount plus additional damages in General Sessions Court.
Habitability & Repairs (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304): The express statutory duty of habitability under URLTA applies in counties with populations over 75,000. In Robertson County, habitability claims rely on common law implied warranty principles recognized by Tennessee courts. Landlords are still expected to maintain rental units in a livable condition — with functioning heat, plumbing, and structural safety. Tenants should document complaints in writing and keep copies of all communications.
Notice to Terminate (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512): In non-URLTA counties such as Robertson County, a landlord must provide at least 10 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. This is significantly shorter than the 30-day notice required in URLTA counties. Tenants should be aware that this brief window limits the time available to find new housing.
Anti-Retaliation (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514): The URLTA anti-retaliation statute prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report code violations, complain to government agencies, or exercise legal rights. In non-URLTA counties, similar protections may be available under common law or argued by analogy. Retaliatory evictions filed shortly after a tenant complains about conditions may be challenged in court.
Prohibition on Self-Help Eviction (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505): Regardless of county size, Tennessee law prohibits landlords from using self-help eviction tactics — including changing locks, removing doors or windows, or shutting off utilities — to force a tenant out without a court order. Any landlord who engages in these practices may be liable for damages. A tenant subjected to an illegal lockout should contact law enforcement and legal aid immediately.
Tennessee's security deposit rules under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 are part of the URLTA framework, which formally applies in counties with populations over 75,000. Robertson County does not meet this threshold, so Springfield renters do not have the full statutory benefit of URLTA's security deposit provisions as a matter of right. However, the principles behind these rules — timely return, itemized deductions, and prohibition on wrongful withholding — are broadly recognized by Tennessee courts and should guide landlord conduct.
Deposit Cap: Tennessee law does not set a statewide cap on security deposit amounts in non-URLTA counties. Landlords may generally charge whatever amount is agreed upon in the lease.
Return Deadline: Under URLTA (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301), landlords in covered counties must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. In Robertson County, no identical statutory deadline exists, but courts expect return within a reasonable time. Tenants should provide a forwarding address in writing to start the clock.
Permitted Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, carpet wear from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit, a tenant may sue in Robertson County General Sessions Court for the deposit amount plus damages. Under URLTA (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301), deliberate wrongful withholding can result in additional penalties. Keep all move-in and move-out documentation, including photos and written condition reports, to support any claim.
Landlords in Springfield must follow a court-supervised eviction process. Tennessee law prohibits self-help evictions under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505 — a landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities to force you out. Doing so is illegal regardless of whether rent is owed.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, the landlord must provide written notice. The required notice period depends on the reason:
Step 2 — Filing in General Sessions Court: If the tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord must file a detainer warrant (eviction complaint) in Robertson County General Sessions Court. The tenant will be served with a summons and a hearing date.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both the landlord and tenant appear before a General Sessions judge. Tenants have the right to present defenses — including that the notice was improper, the landlord engaged in retaliation, or that the eviction was filed illegally. Tenants should bring all documentation, including the lease, rent receipts, and any communications with the landlord.
Step 4 — Writ of Possession: If the court rules in the landlord's favor, a writ of possession is issued. Only a law enforcement officer — not the landlord — may physically remove the tenant pursuant to a valid writ. A tenant has the right to appeal a General Sessions judgment to Circuit Court within 10 days.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal: Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505, any landlord who locks out a tenant, removes personal property, or cuts off utilities without a court order may be sued for damages. If this happens to you, contact law enforcement and legal aid immediately.
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The laws and regulations summarized here may change, and their application depends on the specific facts of your situation. Robertson County's status as a non-URLTA county means some provisions of Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act may not apply to you in the same way they apply to renters in larger Tennessee cities. If you are facing an eviction, a security deposit dispute, or unsafe housing conditions, you should consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization. RentCheckMe makes no warranties regarding the completeness or accuracy of this information and assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance on it.
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