How to Delay a Sheriff Lockout in Tennessee with an Eviction Appeal

If you’re a renter in Tennessee facing eviction, receiving notice of a sheriff lockout can be overwhelming. However, Tennessee law lets you appeal an eviction judgment, which may delay — or even prevent — a lockout while your case is reviewed. This guide walks you through the appeal process, including required forms and resources to help you stay in your home as you exercise your rights.

Understanding Sheriff Lockouts After Eviction Judgments in Tennessee

Once a court rules in favor of your landlord and orders eviction, the court may issue a Writ of Possession, allowing the sheriff to physically remove you from your home. However, you may be able to pause this process by appealing the eviction ruling.

Where Are Eviction Appeals Handled?

In Tennessee, eviction cases — also called detainer warrant actions — are usually decided by the General Sessions Court. If you lose, you can appeal to the Circuit Court for a new hearing.

Your Right to Appeal an Eviction Judgment

According to the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 24, you generally have 10 calendar days from the date of the eviction judgment to file a notice of appeal. Filing the appeal will stay (pause) the execution of the writ — meaning the sheriff cannot proceed with the lockout while your appeal is in process, if all requirements are met.^[1]

How to File an Appeal — Forms & Steps

You must complete and submit the formal appeal paperwork to the clerk of the General Sessions Court where your case was heard. The key forms you may need include:

• Notice of Appeal (Form GS-06):
  When to use: Submit this within 10 days after judgment to the court clerk to begin your appeal.
  Example: If you receive an eviction judgment on April 5, you must file the Notice of Appeal by April 15.
  Download the Notice of Appeal – Form GS-06 (official)
• Pauper’s Oath (Affidavit of Indigency):
  When to use: If you can’t afford court costs or the required appeal bonds, submit this form to ask the court to waive fees and allow you to appeal without payment upfront.
  Example: If paying the appeal bond would cause hardship, file the Affidavit of Indigency with the clerk.
  Download the Affidavit of Indigency – Form GS-15 (official)

Paying Appeal Bonds — Essential for Stopping Lockout

To stay the sheriff’s lockout during appeal, you must post an appeal bond. This acts as security in case the landlord prevails on appeal. If you cannot pay, submitting the Affidavit of Indigency may allow you to appeal as a “pauper,” but you’ll usually be required to pay ongoing rent into court as the appeal moves forward.^[2]

Key Actions to Delay the Sheriff Lockout

• Act quickly: File your Notice of Appeal within 10 days of your eviction judgment.
• Ask the court clerk if you need to pay an appeal bond — or submit an Affidavit of Indigency if you can’t afford it.
• Continue paying your rent (often into the court registry) while the appeal is pending.
• Keep copies of all documents filed and get receipts from the court clerk.

By meeting all requirements, you ensure that the sheriff cannot lock you out until your appeal is heard and decided.

What Tennessee Law Says About Eviction Appeals and Lockouts

The legal process for eviction appeals and staying sheriff lockouts is governed by:

• Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (TURLTA) – applicable in counties with populations over 75,000
• Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure – Appeal Rules

Always double-check local court or county requirements, as practices can vary depending on where you live.

FAQ: Appeal and Sheriff Lockouts in Tennessee

1. How long do I have to file an appeal to stop the lockout?
   You usually have 10 days from the eviction court judgment to file your appeal in Tennessee.
2. Do I have to move out while the appeal is pending?
   If you properly file the appeal with all required paperwork and bonds, and continue paying rent as directed, you may remain in your home until the appeal is resolved.
3. What happens if I can't afford the appeal bond?
   You can file an Affidavit of Indigency (Pauper’s Oath) to ask the court to waive the bond and fees. You’ll usually still need to pay future rent into court.
4. Where can I get official forms for a Tennessee eviction appeal?
   Official forms are available from your county General Sessions Court clerk or on the Tennessee Courts Self-Help Forms page.
5. Can the landlord change the locks during appeal?
   No. Once you've properly filed the appeal and met requirements, the landlord and sheriff must wait until the appeal is decided before proceeding with a lockout.

Key Takeaways for Renters Facing Lockout

• You have the right to appeal your eviction judgment and stay a sheriff lockout in Tennessee by quickly filing the proper notice and bond.
• If you can’t pay fees, request a fee waiver by filing an Affidavit of Indigency.
• Stay in contact with the court clerk and pay any ongoing rent required by the court while the appeal is pending.

Prompt action and attention to court requirements are vital to protect your right to stay in your home until your appeal is heard.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee General Sessions Court Directory
• Tennessee State Courts Self-Help Forms
• Tennessee Housing Development Agency — Tenant resources and education
• Tennessee Justice Center - Renters' Support

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1. Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure – Rule 24. Stay on Appeal
2. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — Title 66, Chapter 28

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