Filing a Landlord Complaint in Tennessee: A Renter’s Guide

Are you a Tennessee renter facing issues like unaddressed repairs, illegal rent hikes, unfair eviction threats, or discrimination? Tennessee has clear laws to protect tenants, and knowing how to file a complaint can help you ensure your rights are respected. This guide explains Tennessee’s process, helpful forms, and where to get extra support based on the latest state regulations.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tennessee Renter

Tennessee renters are protected by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) in counties with a population over 75,000. This law covers maintenance, eviction procedures, and landlord responsibilities. For other areas, state and local laws still apply. If your landlord isn’t meeting their legal duties, you have the right to take action.

Common Reasons to File a Complaint Against a Landlord

• Lack of essential repairs—such as no heat, water, or electricity
• Unlawful eviction or improper notice
• Discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or family status
• Unsafe living conditions or code violations
• Illegally withholding security deposits

Before filing a complaint, try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord in writing. Sometimes, a simple written request can encourage prompt action.

How to File a Complaint: Step-by-Step

The approach depends on your situation. Here are the most common complaint types and official channels:

1. Health & Safety or Building Code Issues

• Contact your local city or county code enforcement office.
  • Find your local office here.
• Complete a code complaint form if available—each city/county has its own version.
• For major cities:
  • Nashville Code Violation Complaint (Online Form; for unfit living conditions)
  • Knoxville Code Enforcement
  • Memphis Code Enforcement

2. Discrimination Complaints

• File with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC).
• Form: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to use: If your landlord discriminates based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, or family status.
  How to use: Download, complete, and submit the form via email, fax, or mail. THRC Complaint Form & Instructions.

3. Security Deposit or Lease Dispute

• If discussion fails, you may file a claim in General Sessions Court (the main court for small disputes in Tennessee).
• Form: Civil Warrant (General Sessions Court)
  When to use: If your landlord wrongfully keeps your security deposit or does not follow the lease.
  How to use: Visit the clerk’s office in your county to obtain and file this form. Example (form for Nashville): Davidson County Civil Warrant Form.

What Tribunal Handles Tenant Complaints?

Unlike some states, Tennessee does not have a central tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes. Instead, most cases are heard in General Sessions Courts at the county level. For discrimination, contact the state’s Human Rights Commission.

Key Tennessee Laws Protecting Renters

• Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. Title 66, Chapter 28)
• Tennessee Human Rights Act for discrimination complaints

Summing up, knowing the right steps and laws can help renters protect themselves in Tennessee. Local code enforcement, the Human Rights Commission, and the General Sessions Courts are your main resources. Always start with direct communication and use official forms and procedures to back your requests.

FAQs: Tennessee Renters and Landlord Complaints

1. What should I do before filing a complaint against my landlord?
   Try to communicate your concerns in writing; this gives your landlord a chance to fix things and gives you a paper trail if things escalate.
2. Who enforces housing and rental laws in Tennessee?
   Enforcement varies: local code offices handle health/safety, the Tennessee Human Rights Commission handles discrimination, and General Sessions Courts resolve legal disputes.
3. Can I file a complaint anonymously?
   Most code enforcement offices allow anonymous complaints, but courts and the Human Rights Commission require your contact information for legal action.
4. How do I file a discrimination complaint for rental housing?
   Use the THRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form and send it to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.
5. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint or go to court?
   You can file a complaint yourself, but consider legal help for complicated issues or if your case goes to court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Consumer Affairs – Tenant Rights
• Tennessee Human Rights Commission (Discrimination Complaints)
• General Sessions Court Directory
• Tennessee Legal Help – Housing
• For urgent repairs or health hazards, search your local code enforcement office

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1. See: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Renters
2. Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. Title 66, Chapter 28)
3. Tennessee Human Rights Commission – Complaint Form
4. Tennessee General Sessions Courts

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