Jackson renters are covered by Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), because Madison County's population exceeds 75,000. The URLTA governs your rights on deposits, repairs, and retaliation. Here is what every Jackson tenant needs to know.·Actualizado June 2026
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Puntos Clave
Control de renta: None — Tennessee law prohibits rent control statewide.
Depósito de garantía: In URLTA counties, must be returned within 30 days with an itemized statement; wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).
Aviso de desalojo: 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512(b)); Madison County exceeds 75,000 residents, so Tennessee's URLTA applies.
Desalojo con causa justa: Tennessee does not require just cause to terminate a lease at expiration. Landlords must file in sessions court.
Recursos locales: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org), Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (tals.org)
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Jackson
Jackson is the seat of Madison County and one of West Tennessee's largest cities. Because Madison County's population exceeds 75,000, Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies to your tenancy. The URLTA covers Madison County the same way it covers the Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga areas, and it sets statutory rules for security deposits, repairs, notice periods, and retaliation. Self-help eviction is illegal statewide. Contact the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services if you need help applying these rules to your specific situation in Jackson.
2. Does Jackson Have Rent Control?
Jackson has no rent control, and Tennessee law expressly prohibits rent control statewide. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, but must provide proper written notice. Because Madison County is a URLTA county, a landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating a month-to-month tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512(b)). Review your lease for any notice requirements that exceed the statutory minimum.
3. Tennessee State Tenant Protections That Apply in Jackson
Tennessee law provides the following key protections for Jackson tenants:
Security Deposit (URLTA): In URLTA counties, landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit amount plus damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).
Repairs & Habitability (URLTA): In URLTA counties, landlords must maintain habitable premises. After written notice, landlords have 14 days for repairs. Remedies include rent escrow and lease termination (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304).
Retaliation Protection (URLTA): In URLTA counties, landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514).
Eviction Process: Landlords must file in sessions court after providing written notice. Self-help eviction is illegal statewide — no lockouts, utility shutoffs, or property removal without a court order (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505).
4. Security Deposit Rules in Jackson
Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 (URLTA), which applies in Madison County, your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit amount plus damages. Document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with dated photos and written notes to protect yourself from unjust deductions.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Jackson
To evict a tenant in Jackson, a landlord must first provide written notice. Because Madison County is a URLTA county, for nonpayment of rent the landlord must give 14 days' notice to pay or vacate (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505). To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, 30 days' written notice is required (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512(b)). If you do not comply, the landlord must file a Detainer Warrant in Madison County Sessions Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and writ of possession may the sheriff remove you. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removal of belongings — is prohibited under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505.
Memphis Area Legal Services — Free legal help for low-income residents of West Tennessee, including tenant rights.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Jackson, TN and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or legal aid organization.
Verifica tu dirección
Averigua si tu vivienda está cubierta por el control de renta o las protecciones para inquilinos.
No. Jackson has no rent control ordinance, and Tennessee law prohibits rent control statewide. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper written notice.
How much can my landlord raise my rent in Jackson?
There is no limit on rent increases in Jackson or anywhere in Tennessee. In URLTA counties, the landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before terminating a month-to-month tenancy. In non-URLTA counties, only 10 days' notice is required (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). Check your lease for specific requirements.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Jackson?
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, your lease terms govern. Document the unit's condition with photos at move-in and move-out.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Jackson?
In URLTA counties, the landlord must give 14 days' notice to pay or vacate for nonpayment of rent, and 30 days' notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). In non-URLTA counties, only 10 days' notice is required for termination. The landlord must then file in Madison County Sessions Court.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Jackson?
No. Self-help eviction is illegal throughout Tennessee. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your property, or shut off utilities to force you out without a court order (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505). Contact the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee immediately if this occurs.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Jackson?
Send your repair request in writing and keep a copy. In URLTA counties, landlords must make repairs within 14 days of written notice under Tenn. Code § 66-28-304, and remedies include rent escrow and lease termination. Contact Jackson's code enforcement to report housing violations, and reach out to the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (tals.org) for guidance.
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