Filing Effective Repair Requests as a Tennessee Renter

If you’re a renter in Tennessee and your rental home needs repairs, you have rights under state law that protect your health and safety. Knowing how to request necessary maintenance can make all the difference in keeping your living conditions safe and comfortable. This guide explains the process, your rights, and what to do if repairs aren’t completed as required—all based on Tennessee rental laws and official government resources.

Understanding Your Maintenance Rights in Tennessee

Tennessee’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (for most urban and suburban tenants) requires landlords to keep rentals fit and habitable. Landlords must make repairs to keep plumbing, heating, and other essentials working, as well as maintain safe common areas.^[1]

Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities

• Keep electrical, plumbing, sanitary, HVAC, and other systems in good repair
• Ensure the property is free from hazards affecting health and safety
• Respond to repair requests within a reasonable time—faster for emergencies
• Abide by all applicable local building codes

How to Make a Repair Request That Gets Results

Following the correct steps increases the likelihood your landlord will respond to your maintenance request promptly, and protects your legal rights if further action is needed.

Step 1: Document the Problem

• Take photos or videos of the repair issue and note dates
• Describe the problem in detail (example: “kitchen sink leaking under cabinet”)

Step 2: Notify Your Landlord in Writing

Always notify your landlord or property manager in writing. This written notice is required if you need to take further steps later.

• Include your address, clear description of issue, and your preferred contact information
• Email is acceptable, but sending a letter by certified mail (with proof of delivery) is best

Step 3: Keep a Copy of Everything

• Save all emails, texts, and communications about the repair
• Keep receipts for costs you might incur (for emergency fixes or alternate housing if urgent)

What Forms Are Required?

• Notice to Landlord of Breach of Duties (No Official Form): Tennessee law does not require a specific form, but your written repair request acts as formal notice.
  Example: "On March 2, I sent my landlord a letter about the broken heating system. I included pictures and asked for repair within 14 days."
• Notice of Intent to Repair and Deduct (No Official Form): If repairs aren’t made within a reasonable time, you may be able to give further written notice that you will arrange repairs and deduct reasonable costs from rent. Consult the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance resources for template language or assistance.

What If the Landlord Doesn’t Respond?

If the landlord does not make repairs in a “reasonable time,” Tennessee law lets you take certain steps:

• Contact the Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division for support
• For major habitability issues, you may be able to repair and deduct, or in some cases, terminate your lease
• You cannot withhold rent unless allowed by a court or agreed in writing
• If a landlord tries to retaliate (like threatening eviction because you requested repairs), this may violate Tennessee law

Who Handles Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, tenants and landlords may need to take unresolved disputes to their county’s General Sessions Court. This is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant cases, including habitability issues.

What Laws Protect Tennessee Renters?

The main law protecting renters is the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. Title 66, Chapter 28). It sets rental housing standards and explains your legal rights and duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. If my landlord doesn’t fix something quickly, can I stop paying rent?
   No. In Tennessee, withholding rent is not permitted unless a court allows it. Instead, provide written notice and keep documentation of all requests. If repairs still aren’t made, consider consulting the General Sessions Court or a legal aid agency.
2. Do I need to use a special form to request repairs?
   No special form is required. Your written notice—by email, letter, or certified mail—serves as your official request. Just make sure to describe the issue and keep a copy for your records.
3. What if the repair needed is an emergency?
   For emergency repairs (like no heat in winter, plumbing leaks, or electrical hazards), notify your landlord immediately in writing and note it is urgent. If the landlord fails to respond quickly, you may have additional rights to repair and deduct or seek emergency court relief.
4. How long does my landlord have to complete repairs?
   The law says "reasonable time," which may be a few days for serious health or safety issues, or up to 14 days for less urgent repairs. Always document when and how you made your request.
5. Who can help me if my landlord won’t respond?
   You can contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Consumer Affairs, local legal aid, or your county’s General Sessions Court for advice and next steps.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• Always provide written notice when requesting repairs
• Keep documentation (photos, communication, dates) for future reference
• If repairs aren’t made in a reasonable time, seek state resources or legal help before taking further action

Following the proper steps—and knowing where to turn for help—can ensure you get repairs made and protect your tenancy rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Landlord/Tenant Information
• Tennessee General Sessions Courts – Find Your County Court
• Legal Help for Tennesseans – Statewide Directory
• Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Full Legislation)

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1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, T.C.A. Title 66, Chapter 28: Read the current law here.
2. Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, Landlord/Tenant information: Official renter resources.
3. Tennessee General Sessions Court: Tribunal for residential disputes.

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