Tennessee Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Tennessee has no rent control anywhere in the state — it's prohibited by state law. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies in counties with populations over 75,000 (covering Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga); elsewhere, common law governs.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Tennessee at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Tennessee state law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances (Tenn. Code § 66-35-102). The preemption was reinforced by legislation in recent years.

What Protections Tennessee Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Tennessee law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

In URLTA counties, landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit amount plus damages (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants in URLTA counties must receive 30 days' written notice. In non-URLTA counties, the required notice is just 10 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512).

Repairs & Habitability

In URLTA counties, landlords must maintain habitable premises. After written notice, landlords have 14 days for repairs or a reasonable time for emergency issues. Remedies include rent escrow and lease termination (Tenn. Code § 66-28-304).

Retaliation Protection

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 provide written notice and file in sessions court. Self-help eviction is illegal — no lockouts, utility shutoffs, or property removal without a court order (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505).

Major Cities in Tennessee

Nashville — No rent control; Tennessee state preemption prohibits it. URLTA applies.
Memphis — No rent control; Tennessee state preemption prohibits it. URLTA applies.
Knoxville — No rent control; Tennessee state preemption prohibits it. URLTA applies.
Chattanooga — No rent control; Tennessee state preemption prohibits it. URLTA applies.

Tennessee Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Tennessee renters:

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & The Cumberlands — Free civil legal services for low-income residents of Middle Tennessee including Nashville, covering housing and eviction.
Memphis Area Legal Services — Free legal help for low-income residents of Shelby County (Memphis area), including tenant rights.
Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services — Directory of legal aid organizations and self-help resources across Tennessee.

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