How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Tennessee?

Tennessee sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).

Is there a limit on late fees in Tennessee?

A late fee may not exceed 10% of the amount of rent past due. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-201)

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Tennessee?

Landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-403)

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Tennessee?

Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Tennessee?

Tenant has 14 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file a detainer warrant. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505) The case is filed as a detainer warrant in General Sessions Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Tennessee?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Tennessee tenancies are governed by the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Tennessee with the statutory citations printed in it.

Tennessee Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Tennessee has to respect the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: no statutory ceiling on the security deposit, accounted for within 30 days of move-out, and late fees limited to 10% of the rent. Below is every number that governs a Tennessee tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Tennessee rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Tennessee lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Tennessee landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Tennessee	Citation
Security deposit limit	No statutory limitTennessee sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount.	No statute on point
Deposit return deadline	30 daysLandlord must return the deposit or an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after termination.	Tenn. Code § 66-28-301
Interest on deposits	Not requiredTennessee does not require interest on security deposits.	Tenn. Code § 66-28-301
Late fee limit	10% of the rentA late fee may not exceed 10% of the amount of rent past due.	Tenn. Code § 66-28-201
Grace period before rent is late	5 daysA late fee may not be charged until rent is 5 days overdue.	Tenn. Code § 66-28-201
Notice to pay or quit	14 daysTenant has 14 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file a detainer warrant.	Tenn. Code § 66-28-505
Time to cure a lease violation	14 daysTenant generally has 14 days to remedy a curable lease violation, with termination 30 days after notice.	Tenn. Code § 66-28-505
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	Tenn. Code § 66-28-512
Notice before landlord entry	24 hoursLandlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency.	Tenn. Code § 66-28-403

Disclosures a Tennessee lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978

If things go wrong in Tennessee

Where eviction is filed

General Sessions Court, as a detainer warrant.

Governing law

Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, cited from the Tennessee Code.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Tennessee lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Tennessee?: Tennessee sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Tenn. Code § 66-28-301).
Is there a limit on late fees in Tennessee?: A late fee may not exceed 10% of the amount of rent past due. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-201)
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Tennessee?: Landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-403)
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Tennessee?: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-512)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Tennessee?: Tenant has 14 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file a detainer warrant. (Tenn. Code § 66-28-505) The case is filed as a detainer warrant in General Sessions Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Tennessee?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Tennessee tenancies are governed by the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Tennessee with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Tennessee lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Tennessee lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Tennessee law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Tennessee attorney review your lease before you rely on it.