Tennessee Eviction Laws
Tennessee has a two-tier landlord-tenant system: URLTA applies in larger counties (Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville), requiring a 14-day notice to pay or vacate for nonpayment.
Key Rules
- Nonpayment Notice
- 14 days written notice to pay or vacate (URLTA counties)
- Periodic Tenancy Notice
- 30 days notice for month-to-month termination
- Just Cause Required
- No — no just-cause eviction requirement in Tennessee
- Rent Control
- No rent control; Tennessee preempts local rent control ordinances
- Urlta
- URLTA applies only in counties with populations over 75,000
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Noncompliance by tenant (nonpayment): landlord must deliver written notice requiring payment within 14 days or the tenancy terminates. Applies in URLTA counties.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Termination of periodic tenancy: for month-to-month, 30 days written notice required. In non-URLTA counties, older rules may apply.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Unlawful detainer (eviction): the court process for removing a tenant after proper notice. Applies statewide.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Middle Tennessee and Cumberland region
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.