Tennessee Room Rental Agreement
A Tennessee room rental agreement is a formal document that establishes the rules for individuals sharing a residence. This agreement is essential for defining how costs will be divided among roommates and outlining their respective responsibilities for maintaining the premises. It is crucial for all roommates to thoroughly review the agreement before signing, as it becomes a legally binding contract once signed.

Tennessee Room Rental Agreement
Subtenant Application Process
When seeking suitable subtenants, the primary tenant should utilize a rental application. This application serves to collect information from potential candidates, which can help in assessing their likelihood of timely rent payments and their potential to be responsible cohabitants.
Guest to Tenant Transition
According to the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 66, Chapter 28 of the Tennessee Code), there is no specific statute that defines when a guest becomes a tenant. Generally, a guest may transition to tenant status in the following circumstances:
- When they begin paying rent to occupy the property.
- As specified in the lease agreement.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for navigating guest and tenant relationships within Tennessee rental law.
Statutes
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301(a) – Security deposits
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301(b)(2)(A) – Security deposits
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301(g)(1) – Security deposits
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301(b)(2) – Security deposits
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301(b)(1)(B) – Security deposits
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-201(c) – Terms and conditions
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-201(d) – Terms and conditions
- Rent
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 47-29-102 – Handling charge
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-111-104 – Inspection
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-502 – Failure to supply essential services
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-512(c) – Landlord Recover Court and Attorney Fees
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-512(b) – Termination of periodic tenancy – Holdover remedies
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-512(a) – Termination of periodic tenancy – Holdover remedies
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-507 – Landlord Mitigate Damages
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-501 – Noncompliance with rental agreement by landlord
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109(d) – Notice of termination by landlord – Testimony of manager against tenant
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109 and § 66-28-505 – Notice of termination by landlord – Testimony of manager against tenant
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109 – Termination for Lease Violation and Tenn.Code Ann. § 66-28-505 – Noncompliance by tenant – Failure to pay rent
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-107(a) – Termination for knowing controlled substance or prostitution violations
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403(a) – Access by landlord
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403(b) – Access by landlord
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403(e)(5) – Access by landlord
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-519 – Towing of vehicles
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-404 – Use and occupation by tenant
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-405 – Abandonment
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-304 – Maintenance by landlord
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-401 – General maintenance and conduct obligations
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-302 – [Effective 1/1/2025] Address of landlord or agent
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-101 – Writing required for long term leases – Authentication and registration
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-104 and § 66-7-106 – Physically disabled persons’ access to housing accommodations
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-108 – Notification sent by e-mail
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-402 – Rules and regulations
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-514 – Retaliatory conduct prohibited
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-107 – Business License
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-501(d) – General jurisdiction
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-109 – Rent – Official misconduct – Contracts not otherwise covered – Title insurance – Demand notes
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-105 – Property tort actions – Statutory liabilities
- Tenn. Code § 66-28-521 – Termination of utility services
- Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-517 – Domestic Violence Situations
FAQs
A Tennessee room rental agreement is a formal document that outlines the rules and responsibilities for individuals sharing a residence. It details how costs will be divided and the obligations for maintaining the premises, becoming a legally binding contract once signed.
A primary tenant can find suitable subtenants by using a rental application to collect information from potential candidates. This information helps assess the likelihood of timely rent payments and the individual’s ability to be a responsible cohabitant.
In Tennessee, a guest typically becomes a tenant either after they start paying rent to occupy the property or as specified in the lease agreement. The Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not provide a specific statute for this situation.
Roommates should carefully review the Tennessee room rental agreement before signing it. This ensures that all parties understand the rules, responsibilities, and financial obligations outlined in the document.
Key components of a room rental agreement in Tennessee include the division of costs, responsibilities for maintenance, and any specific rules regarding the use of shared spaces. These elements help prevent misunderstandings among roommates.