Tennessee Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Tennessee
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Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (TCA § 66-28-101 et seq.) applies only to counties with populations over 75,000, covering Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. In URLTA counties, landlords must give 24 hours notice and tenants have repair-and-deduct rights. Statewide rent control is banned.
Security Deposit Max
No cap
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
No statutory cap
Limited Protection
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Deposit Return Period
30 days after move-out in URLTA counties (§ 66-28-301)
Protection Exists
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Entry Notice Required
24 hours in URLTA counties; no requirement elsewhere (§ 66-28-403)
Protection Exists
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Rent Control
Banned statewide (TCA § 66-35-102)
No Protection
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Repair & Deduct
Allowed in URLTA counties after written notice (§ 66-28-502)
Protection Exists
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited in URLTA counties — TCA § 66-28-514
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
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