Johnson City renters are governed by Tennessee state law — including the URLTA where it applies by county population — which sets rules on deposits, habitability, and eviction. Here is what every Johnson City tenant needs to know.·Actualizado June 2026
✓
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)); Washington 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 a Detainer Warrant in sessions court.
Recursos locales: Legal Aid of East Tennessee (laet.org), Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (tals.org)
1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Johnson City
Johnson City is the largest city in Washington County and a key part of the Tri-Cities metropolitan area in Northeast Tennessee. Because Washington County's population exceeds 75,000, Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies and governs rental relationships in Johnson City. This gives tenants statutory protections on security deposits, repairs, notice periods, and retaliation. Self-help eviction is illegal statewide and landlords must obtain a court order before removing any tenant. Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee for guidance specific to your situation.
2. Does Johnson City Have Rent Control?
Johnson City has no rent control, and Tennessee law expressly prohibits rent control statewide. Landlords may raise rent by any amount, but must provide written notice. Because Washington County is a URLTA county, a landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512(b)). Review your lease for any notice requirements that may be longer.
3. Tennessee State Tenant Protections That Apply in Johnson City
Because Washington County's population exceeds 75,000, the URLTA applies and provides the following key protections for Johnson City tenants:
Security Deposit: Landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).
Repairs & Habitability: Landlords must maintain habitable premises and make repairs within 14 days of written notice. Remedies include rent escrow and lease termination (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304).
Notice to Terminate: A landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512(b)).
Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights (Tenn. Code § 66-28-514).
Eviction Process: Self-help eviction is illegal statewide. Landlords must file a Detainer Warrant in sessions court (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505).
4. Security Deposit Rules in Johnson City
Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 (URLTA), which applies in Washington County, your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written, itemized statement of deductions. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus damages. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with dated photos and written notes.
5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Johnson City
To evict a tenant in Johnson City, a landlord must first provide written notice. Because Washington County is a URLTA county, 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(b)). If you do not comply, the landlord must file a Detainer Warrant in Washington County Sessions Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. Only after a court judgment and writ of possession may the constable remove you. Self-help eviction is prohibited statewide under Tenn. Code § 66-28-505.
6. Resources for Johnson City Tenants
Legal Aid of East Tennessee — Free civil legal services for low-income residents of East Tennessee, including housing and eviction defense.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Johnson City, 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. Johnson City 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 Johnson City?
There is no limit on rent increases in Johnson City or anywhere in Tennessee. In non-URLTA counties (which may include Washington County), the landlord must give at least 10 days' written notice before terminating a month-to-month tenancy (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). Check your lease for specific requirements.
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Johnson City?
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 in Washington County, your lease terms govern. Document the unit's condition with photos.
What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Johnson City?
In non-URLTA counties, the minimum notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy is 10 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512). In URLTA counties, it is 30 days. For nonpayment of rent in URLTA counties, the landlord must give 14 days' notice. The landlord must then file a Detainer Warrant in Washington County Sessions Court.
Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Johnson City?
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 Legal Aid of East Tennessee immediately if this occurs.
What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Johnson City?
Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. In URLTA counties, landlords must make repairs within 14 days of written notice (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304), with remedies including rent escrow and lease termination. In non-URLTA areas, contact Johnson City's code enforcement to report housing violations. Contact Legal Aid of East Tennessee (laet.org) for guidance.
Recibe avisos cuando cambien las leyes de renta en Johnson City
Te enviaremos un correo si cambian el tope de renta, las reglas de cobertura o las protecciones para inquilinos: sin spam, cancela cuando quieras.