Are arbitration or mediation legally required before filing in court in Tennessee?

No, Tennessee law does not require renters or landlords to use arbitration or mediation before going to court, but these options are strongly encouraged in some areas.

Is there a fee for using mediation services for rental disputes?

Some local mediation programs in Tennessee are free for renters, especially for low-income individuals or those facing eviction. Others may charge a fee depending on the service provider.

Can mediation help with emergency repair issues?

Yes. Renters can use mediation to address urgent repairs and maintenance problems if discussions with the landlord are not successful.

What if mediation does not resolve my dispute?

If mediation fails, either party still retains the right to pursue the matter in court.

How do I find a certified mediator in Tennessee?

You can find mediators through the Tennessee Supreme Court's directory of certified mediators online.

Arbitration Programs for Tennessee Renters: Your Rights & Solutions

Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Tennessee published June 21, 2025

If you rent in Tennessee, issues like rent increases, repairs, or disagreements with your landlord can feel overwhelming. Tennessee offers alternative dispute resolution options—such as arbitration and mediation—to help tenants and landlords resolve their differences without going to court. This guide explains how these programs work, your rights as a renter, and where to find the help and forms you need.

Understanding Tenant-Landlord Dispute Resolution in Tennessee

In Tennessee, rental disputes are generally governed by the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which applies to most urban counties.^[1] While Tennessee doesn’t have a statewide arbitration tribunal specifically for residential tenancies like some other states, many cities and counties offer official mediation or arbitration programs, often through local housing authorities, legal aid, or alternative dispute resolution centers.

What Is Arbitration and Mediation?

Mediation involves a neutral third party helping you and your landlord talk through the issue and work out an agreement together.
Arbitration is more formal—an arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a solution, which can sometimes be binding (legally enforceable).

These methods are useful for settling problems like disputed rent increases, maintenance delays, return of security deposits, or disagreements over lease terms.

Official Dispute Resolution and Legal Aid Programs

Here are some key avenues Tennessee renters can use:

Tennessee Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission: Oversees certified mediators statewide.
Nashville Housing Resource Diversion Program: Connects tenants and landlords with mediation before court.
Memphis Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution: Offers mediation for rental disputes in the Memphis area.
Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, which can refer you to local mediation resources.

Some counties or cities may have their own programs. Check with your local housing authority for neighborhood-specific information.

Key Forms for Renters in Tennessee

Tennessee does not have a single statewide tribunal or form for starting arbitration. Instead, different counties or cities may use their own official forms for mediation or dispute resolution. Here are common forms you might encounter:

Request for Mediation Form (varies by county/city): Used to start the mediation process. For example, Metro Nashville tenants can use the Nashville Housing Resource Diversion Program Request for Assistance form.
- When to use it: If you have a dispute about repairs, rent, or possible eviction, fill out this form to request mediation before the court date.
- How it works: Complete the form and submit it to the listed contact (often your local mediation center or housing department). They will schedule a mediation session with your landlord.
Notice of Dispute (no statewide form): Sometimes a written notice or email to your landlord summarizing your side of the dispute is the first step.
- When & how: Draft a written notice explaining your issue, referencing any relevant sections of your lease or URLTA. Keep a copy for your records and send it via a method you can confirm (certified mail, email, etc.).

Where to File or Get Help

The appropriate local body will depend on where you live. In most cases, you begin by contacting your city’s housing office, local mediation center, or a legal aid organization. There is no central state-level board, but most counties in Tennessee use their local courts or referred mediation services. Visit the Tennessee Supreme Court ADR Commission website to find approved dispute resolution programs in your area.^[2]

Tip for Renters: If you receive a legal notice or are threatened with eviction, you can still request mediation—even if you already have a court date. Mediation may allow you to reach an agreement and avoid court judgments.

Your Rights Under Tennessee Law

Tennessee’s residential landlord-tenant laws are laid out in the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA).^[1] Key protections include:

Rights to safe and habitable housing
Timely return of security deposits
Proper notice for rent increases or eviction
The right to seek dispute resolution or court intervention if problems persist

This legislation covers most residential rentals in counties with a population over 75,000. Rural counties may have different rules, but basic tenant protections still apply. To read the full law, visit the official Tennessee URLTA text.

FAQs: Arbitration and Mediation for Renters in Tennessee

Are arbitration or mediation legally required before filing in court?
Tennessee does not require renters or landlords to use arbitration or mediation before going to court, but programs are strongly encouraged and sometimes ordered by judges in urban areas.
Is there a fee for mediation services?
Some cities, like Nashville, offer free mediation to tenants facing eviction. In other areas, fees may apply but may be reduced or waived for low-income participants.
Can I use mediation for emergency repairs?
Yes. If your landlord has not addressed critical repairs, mediation can help you resolve the issue more quickly than court. Always keep records of your requests and responses.
What happens if mediation fails?
If no agreement is reached in mediation, either party can still proceed to court. Mediation doesn’t waive your right to sue or defend yourself.
How do I find a certified mediator?
Use the official Tennessee mediator directory to locate trained professionals approved by the state Supreme Court.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

Mediation and arbitration programs in Tennessee can help resolve rental disputes quickly and affordably.
No single statewide tribunal exists; contact your local housing authority or mediation center for the right forms and programs.
You retain full rights under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Tennessee Supreme Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission: Find mediators and program info.
Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal aid referrals by county.
Nashville Housing Resource Diversion Program: Pre-court mediation for Davidson County renters.
Memphis Bar Association Mediation: Help for Memphis-area renters.
Tennessee Local Housing Authorities: For city or county-specific programs.

Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), full text.
Tennessee Supreme Court - Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission: List of mediators and official programs.