How much notice is required to raise rent in Tennessee?
30 days notice
- 30 days notice for month-to-month
- No rent control
- Lease terms control
Legal basis: TCA § 66-28-512
Know your rights as a renter in Tennessee. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under Tennessee law.
Legal basis: Tennessee landlord-tenant law — Tennessee Code
30
Days to Return Deposit
No statewide limit
Max Deposit
Reasonable
Entry Notice
Required
Deposit Escrow
What Tennessee law says about deposits
Maximum Deposit
No statewide limit
Return Deadline
30 days
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under Tennessee law
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
Tenant may recover deposit amount if landlord fails to return or provide itemized statement.
Interest on your deposit is not required
Grace period
5-day grace period required — fee cannot be charged until 6th day after due date
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
Reasonable notice
In Tennessee, your landlord must provide proper notice before entering your rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. This protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Exceptions: Landlords may enter without notice in cases of emergency (fire, flooding, etc.) or if you've abandoned the property.
30 days notice
Legal basis: TCA § 66-28-512
14 days
Legal basis: TCA § 66-28-304
Protected
Legal basis: TCA § 66-28-514
Early termination
Legal basis: TCA § 66-28-517
Self-help illegal
Legal basis: TCA § 66-28-504
Important facts about Tennessee rental law
Tennessee has no statewide limit on security deposits.
Tennessee landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out.
Tennessee requires landlords to hold deposits in a separate account.
Tennessee landlords must provide a written lease if the tenancy exceeds 3 years.
Common questions about Tennessee tenant rights
Tennessee does not have a statutory limit on security deposits.
Tennessee landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after you move out.
In Tennessee, landlords must provide Reasonable notice notice before entering your rental unit.
Late fees in Tennessee: 10% of the rent amount that is past due. State law provides a 5-day grace period before a late fee can apply.
30 days notice. 30 days notice for month-to-month. No rent control. Lease terms control. Source: TCA § 66-28-512.
14 days. Landlord must maintain habitability. 14 days to repair. Repair and deduct limited. Source: TCA § 66-28-304.
Protected. Retaliation prohibited. Cannot evict for complaints. Document communications. Source: TCA § 66-28-514.
Early termination. Can terminate early. Documentation required. No penalty. Source: TCA § 66-28-517.
Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Utility shutoffs prohibited. Source: TCA § 66-28-504.
Tennessee tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey™ to analyze your specific lease against Tennessee law.
Upload your lease to see exactly how it complies with Tennessee law. Honestkey™ checks every clause against state statutes.
Free Lease ScanNo credit card required
Plain-language answers that apply in Tennessee and beyond
Start today — your first scan is free and takes about a minute. No credit card.