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Tennessee

A Tennessee lease agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the rental terms for a dwelling. This agreement typically includes essential provisions such as the names and identifying details of the landlord and tenant, the property’s address, the lease term, pet allowances, risk disclosures, and security deposit details.

SimpleBasicLease_Tennessee

SimpleBasicLease_Tennessee

Rental Lease Laws Overview

In Tennessee, there are no rent control laws, and landlords can set rental prices without restrictions. However, there are regulations regarding late fees, which can be included in the rental agreement, and a grace period for rent payments is mandated. Notably, landlords in Tennessee are not required to hold a license.

Required Lease Disclosures

Tennessee landlords must provide several disclosures in writing to tenants:

  • Identification: Landlords must disclose their contact details, including the name and address of the property owner or an authorized agent.
  • Showings: Landlords must inform tenants of their right to show the property to prospective tenants within 30 days of the current lease term’s end and include this right in the lease agreement.
  • Disclosure of Lead-Based Hazards: Tenants must be informed about potential risks associated with lead-based paint in properties built before 1978.
  • Notice of Abandoned Personal Property: Landlords should notify tenants of presumed abandonment of personal property before disposal.
  • Security Deposit Notice: An itemized list of any damages must be provided to the tenant.

Security Deposit

Tennessee law does not establish a maximum amount for security deposits, allowing landlords to charge any amount they choose. Landlords are not required to provide receipts for security deposits or pay interest on them. However, if a security deposit is collected, it must be kept in a separate account. Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days of the tenancy’s end if there are no unpaid rent or damages. If a tenant requests a list of deductions from the security deposit, the landlord must provide it in writing.

Rent Payments

Rent is typically due at the beginning of the month unless otherwise specified in the lease agreement. Landlords can raise rent without restrictions due to the absence of rent control laws. Late fees are capped at 10% of the past-due rent, and landlords must provide a five-day grace period for payment. After this period, landlords may issue a 7-day notice to quit for non-payment. Tenants are allowed to deduct a reasonable portion of rent for vital utility services they procure.

Landlord Right of Entry

Landlords may enter the property without tenant consent in emergencies. While Tennessee law does not require landlords to change locks, they must not intentionally lock out tenants with the intent to evict them.

Property Repairs

Landlords are responsible for making necessary repairs, complying with building codes, and providing appropriate receptacles in multi-unit complexes of four or more units. Tenants must adhere to housing and building codes, maintain cleanliness and safety in their premises, and properly dispose of waste. A landlord may assume a tenant has abandoned the property if there is an unexplained absence for 30 days without rent payment or if rent is unpaid for 15 days with reasonable indications of abandonment.

Terminating a Lease

To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, a landlord must provide a 30-day notice. If a tenant leaves property behind, the landlord must store it for 30 days after abandonment. After this period, the landlord may dispose of or sell the property.

City-Specific Considerations

While the information provided pertains to Tennessee state laws, specific cities such as Nashville and Memphis may have additional regulations. It is advisable for landlords and tenants to check local laws for any specific requirements.

Statutes

FAQs

In Tennessee, landlords must disclose several key details in the lease agreement, including the contact information of the property owner or authorized agent, the right to show the property within 30 days of lease termination, potential lead-based hazards for properties built before 1978, and a notice regarding abandoned personal property. Additionally, landlords must provide an itemized list of damages when returning a security deposit.

Tennessee law does not establish a maximum amount for security deposits, allowing landlords to charge any amount they deem appropriate. However, they must keep the security deposit in a separate account and return it within 30 days of the tenancy’s end if there are no unpaid rents or damages.

To terminate a month-to-month lease in Tennessee, a landlord must provide a 30-day notice to the tenant. This notice allows the tenant sufficient time to vacate the property before the lease ends.

In Tennessee, landlords can charge a late fee of no more than 10% of the past-due rent. They are also required to provide a five-day grace period for tenants to pay their rent before further action, such as sending a 7-day notice to quit for non-payment, can be taken.

Landlords in Tennessee are responsible for making necessary repairs to the property, ensuring compliance with building codes, and providing appropriate receptacles in multi-unit complexes. They must maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition for tenants.

Yes, tenants in Tennessee can withhold rent if they procure vital utility services and pay for them by deducting a reasonable portion from their rent. This is typically applicable when the landlord fails to provide essential services.

If a tenant leaves personal property behind, the landlord should store it for 30 days. After this period, if the tenant does not claim the property, the landlord may dispose of it or sell it.

In Tennessee, landlords are not required to provide receipts when they collect security deposits. However, they must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenancy’s end, along with an itemized list of any deductions for damages.