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Tennessee Eviction Notice Requirements
Under Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which applies in the state's more populous counties, a landlord gives 14 days' written notice for unpaid rent. For other material lease violations, the notice gives the tenant 14 days to fix the problem and states that the agreement ends in 30 days if it is not fixed. A month-to-month tenancy ends with at least 30 days' written notice.
The notice should be in writing, state the rent owed or describe the breach, and give the deadline. A repeat violation within six months may allow a 7-day notice, and serious threats to health or safety allow a 3-day notice. In counties not covered by the act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109 sets similar notice rules. Keep a dated copy and proof of delivery.
If the tenant does not pay, cure, or leave, the landlord files a detainer warrant in general sessions court. The tenant can appear at the hearing and has a short time to appeal. Tennessee landlords may not lock out tenants, remove belongings, or interrupt utilities instead of going to court; a writ of possession is executed by the sheriff.
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Tennessee: common questions
How long is a nonpayment notice in Tennessee?
Fourteen days. Under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a landlord can terminate if rent is unpaid 14 days after written notice. In counties not covered by the act, § 66-7-109 also generally calls for 14 days' notice for nonpayment.
Does the Tennessee landlord-tenant act apply everywhere in the state?
No. The Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies only in counties above a population threshold set in the statute. Smaller counties follow other parts of the Tennessee Code, so check which rules cover the property's county.
How long does a Tennessee tenant have to fix a lease violation?
Fourteen days. The notice states the breach and that the agreement ends 30 days after receipt unless the breach is remedied within 14 days. A repeat violation within six months may allow a 7-day notice without a chance to cure.
How do I end a month-to-month tenancy in Tennessee?
Give written notice at least 30 days before the termination date, under § 66-28-512. A week-to-week tenancy needs 10 days. The landlord still files a detainer warrant if the tenant does not leave.
Compare nearby states
| State | Unpaid rent | Lease violation | Month-to-month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 14 days | 14 days | 30 days |
| Alabama | See statute | See statute | 30 days |
| Arkansas | 3 days | 14 days | 30 days |
| Georgia | See statute | See statute | 60 days |
| Kentucky | See statute | See statute | See statute |
| Mississippi | 3 days | 14 days | 30 days |
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