Tennessee Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Tennessee law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Tennessee landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Tennessee lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | no statutory limit |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days |
| Interest on deposits | not required |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours customary (no statutory minimum) |
| Late fee cap | 10% of the past-due rent |
| Rent grace period | 5 days |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 4 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 3 disclosures required |
Tennessee lease law guides
- Tennessee Security Deposit Limitno statutory limit
- Tennessee Deposit Return Deadline30 days
- Tennessee Deposit Interest Rulesno interest required
- Tennessee Landlord Entry Notice24 hours customary (no statutory minimum)
- Tennessee Late Fee Laws10% of the past-due rent
- Tennessee Rent Grace Period5 days
- Tennessee Prohibited Lease Clauses4 restricted clause types
- Tennessee Required Disclosures3 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Tennessee law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rightsLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 4 prohibited clause types in Tennessee, with statute citations →
Disclosures Tennessee landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Security Deposit Location
- Landlord Contact Information
What each required disclosure covers in Tennessee, with citations →
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Tennessee lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Tennessee?
- Tennessee sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Conditions can apply — see the Tennessee security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Tennessee?
- Generally 30 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Tennessee deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Tennessee?
- No statewide statute requires it in Tennessee, though local ordinances or your lease can add the obligation. Conditions can apply — see the Tennessee deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Tennessee?
- There is no specific statutory minimum in Tennessee — 24 hours is considered good practice rather than a legal requirement. Conditions can apply — see the Tennessee landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Tennessee?
- Yes — late fees are generally capped at 10% of the past-due rent. Conditions can apply — see the Tennessee late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Tennessee?
- Tennessee generally provides a 5-day grace period before late fees. Conditions can apply — see the Tennessee rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Tennessee?
- Tennessee law restricts 4 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Tennessee?
- Tennessee requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Security Deposit Location (Name and address of bank where deposit is held); Landlord Contact Information (Name, phone, 24-hour emergency phone, email, and addresses for property manager and owner or authorized agent (2024 - HB 1814)).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.