TN · Tenant rights
Tenant Rights in Tennessee
A plain-English overview of residential renter protections under Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Tenn. Code § 66-28). Use this as a checklist before you sign — then verify anything that looks off in your specific lease.
Key rules at a glance
- Security deposit return: Within 30 days where URLTA applies; otherwise confirm your county's rules
- Landlord entry notice: Reasonable or 24-hour notice is common where URLTA applies
- Late fees: Late fees must be disclosed; URLTA adoption varies by county.
What to check in a Tennessee lease
- Whether your county adopted URLTA
- Deposit return timing
- Repair remedies
- Notice to terminate
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tennessee URLTA apply everywhere?
No. Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies in counties that have adopted it. Confirm local coverage for your address.
Before you sign
Statutes set the floor — your lease can still include junk fees, auto-renewals, one-sided indemnification, or deposit language that conflicts with Tennessee law. Comparing the document to Tenn. Code § 66-28 is the fastest way to spot problems early.
LeaseGuard.ai provides educational information only and is not a law firm. This page is not legal advice. For disputes or case-specific interpretation, contact a licensed Tennessee attorney or your local legal aid office.
Also see our lease guides for clause-by-clause renter tips.