Landlord-tenant law

Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notice periods, lease termination requirements, and late fee rules for Tennessee.

Not legal advice. Current as of May 2026. Verify with a local attorney before any compliance decision.

$
Security Deposit Max
No statutory limit
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301
↩
Deposit Return Deadline
30 days
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301(g)
!
Non-Payment Eviction Notice
14-day notice to pay or quit
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109(a)(1)(A)
✕
Month-to-Month Termination
30 days
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-512(b)
¢
Late Fee Cap
10% of monthly rent
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-201(c)
⏱
Grace Period
5 days
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-201(d)
Tennessee specific notes

Tennessee's landlord-tenant act (§ 66-28-101 et seq.) applies only in counties with a population of 75,000+. In smaller counties, common law applies. Nashville Metro does not have a rent-control ordinance (Tennessee preempts local rent control). Deposits for 4+ unit buildings must be held separately.

FAQ

Common Tennessee landlord questions

What is the maximum security deposit in Tennessee?+
No statutory limit. Governed by Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301. Deposit must be returned within 30 days after the lease ends.
What notice is required to evict a tenant in Tennessee for non-payment of rent?+
14-day notice to pay or quit. Per Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-109(a)(1)(A). This is the notice period before a landlord can file an eviction lawsuit.
How much notice to end a month-to-month tenancy in Tennessee?+
30 days. Per Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-512(b). This applies to no-cause terminations of month-to-month leases.
Are late fees regulated in Tennessee?+
10% of monthly rent. Per Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-201(c). Grace period: 5 days. Even where no statutory cap exists, late fees must be reasonable and clearly disclosed in the lease.
References

Authoritative sources for Tennessee

Compare

See how Tennessee stacks up

Deposit Limits — All 50
Side-by-side max deposit and return deadlines.
Eviction Notice — All 50
Notice periods for non-payment and termination.
Late Fee Laws — All 50
Caps and grace periods.
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