Episode 145: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Tennessee

Written By Jennifer Salisbury
 

Summary

Today’s location-specific episode features the State of Tennessee.  We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Landlord-Tenant Act in Tennessee. 

Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions: 

1) What are the basics of the Landlord-Tenant Act in Tennessee

2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?

3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental in the State of Tennessee

4) Where to get help in your local area in State of Tennessee. 

This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!

This episode includes resources for State of Tennessee including:

Listen to the full episode :

This Week’s Blog Post:

A Choppy But Comprehensive Start

Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, I’m walking you through the location-specific tenancy guidelines for the state of Tennessee. And let me tell you—this one was a bit of a bumpy ride. The resources are scattered, and there’s no single, streamlined process that applies across the state. Some laws are statewide, others vary by county, and landlords must do their homework. That said, I’m here to give you a running start.

Highlights from the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

Tennessee operates under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which includes specifics like five-day grace periods for rent and a late fee cap at 10%. Landlords must place security deposits in a separate account and disclose the bank holding the funds. Unlike other states, Tennessee doesn’t require pre-made forms, and the rules around lease delivery and condition inspections aren’t as clear-cut. One unique element? Landlords in certain cities and counties must register with local code enforcement offices, especially in larger areas like Nashville or Memphis.

Vehicles, Abandonment, and Safety

Vehicles take up a surprising amount of space in Tennessee’s tenancy guidelines. Definitions are laid out for unauthorized and nuisance vehicles, including junkers with flat tires or broken windows. Landlords can have them towed with ten days’ notice. As for tenant abandonment, Tennessee allows landlords to reclaim a property after a 30-day unexplained absence or 15 days of nonpayment combined with reasonable evidence the tenant has vacated. Landlords are then allowed to enter, secure, and store or dispose of property based on further circumstances.

Legal Timelines and Local Guidance

The eviction process in Tennessee can move quickly—three days' notice for unsafe behavior and 14 days for nonpayment. If a tenant doesn’t respond, court proceedings follow, with an eviction enforceable by the sheriff on day 31. There’s also a 60-day clock for landlords to return unclaimed security deposits, and they’re encouraged to do a final walk-through with the tenant. Local support varies, but Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and East Tennessee, as well as the Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division, offer solid guidance and brochures.

Wrapping It Up in Memphis

I recorded this episode in Memphis, Tennessee—because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you? If you’re investing in Tennessee, be prepared for fragmented systems, but also for clear opportunities if you educate yourself. Your action item today? Read the act, and join local groups on Facebook or LinkedIn to connect with other landlords in your county. Up next in Episode 146: the great state of Alaska. See you there!

Jennifer Salisbury
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