Tennessee Compliance Hub

Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Law: 2026 Guide

The plain-English breakdown of Tennessee rental law every self-managing landlord needs. Security deposit limits, late fee rules, notice periods, eviction process, and the official statute link, all in one place.

Tennessee at a glance

Security deposit
No Statutory Cap
Late fees
After 5 Days, Cap 10%
Notice period
30 Days
Deposit return
30 Days

Source: official Tennessee statute. Verified against 2026 text.

Tennessee landlord-tenant law in plain English

Tennessee landlord-tenant law sets the rules every rental in the state has to follow. Security deposits are capped at no statutory cap, late fees are governed by after 5 days, cap 10%, the standard notice to terminate a month-to-month lease is 30 days, and security deposits must be returned within 30 days after the tenant moves out. The exact statute is the source of truth for any specific dispute.

Common Tennessee landlord questions

Answered against the verified facts above and the linked statute. Not legal advice.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the security-deposit cap is No Statutory Cap. Always confirm with the linked statute before drafting your lease.
Does Tennessee cap late fees on rent?
Tennessee's late-fee rule is: After 5 Days, Cap 10%. If the rule is 'per lease', spell out the exact dollar amount or percentage in writing so it is enforceable.
How much notice does a Tennessee landlord have to give to end a month-to-month lease?
The standard notice period in Tennessee is 30 Days. Different rules can apply for nonpayment, lease violations, or fixed-term leases ending.
How long does a Tennessee landlord have to return the security deposit?
Tennessee requires the deposit to be returned within 30 Days of move-out, with an itemized list of any deductions.
Can a landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Tennessee?
No. 'Self-help' evictions are illegal across all U.S. states. A landlord must serve written notice, file in court, and let a sheriff carry out any lockout.
Where can I read the full Tennessee landlord-tenant statute?
The official statute link is at the bottom of this page. Rentari.ai cites it directly so you can verify any line item before signing or filing.
Built on this law

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Rentari.ai's lease builder bakes every Tennessee requirement into the document automatically. Deposit cap, late-fee language, notice clauses, all of it. You approve the draft, send to e-sign, and store it in Files.

Information here is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify with the linked statute or a licensed attorney before acting. Tennessee statute: https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-66/chapter-28/