Tennessee Minimum Rental Housing Health Codes Explained

Renting a home in Tennessee means your landlord must provide safe, healthy housing that meets local and state health codes. Understanding your rights under Tennessee law can help you address issues quickly—like broken heat, mold, or pest infestations. This guide explains the minimum housing health standards for rental units in Tennessee, steps you can take, and where to find official help if your apartment isn't up to code.

Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for Tennessee Rentals

Under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), landlords must ensure all rental properties meet basic health and safety standards. These rules exist to protect you from unsafe or unhealthy living conditions and may be enforced at both the state and local (city or county) level.

What Landlords Must Provide

• Adequate weatherproofing (roof, walls, windows, doors in good repair)
• Safe running water, hot water, plumbing, and heat (where provided naturally)
• Safe electric, gas, and major appliances supplied by the landlord
• Properly working smoke alarms and, in many areas, carbon monoxide detectors
• Protection from infestations (cockroaches, rats, bedbugs, etc.)
• Clean, sanitary common areas and removal of garbage
• Structural integrity (no serious leaks or collapsing floors/ceilings)

For example, if your heating fails in winter, or you have persistent mold or pests the landlord hasn’t addressed, these may violate Tennessee’s health codes for rentals.

Local Health Codes and Inspections

Some Tennessee cities—like Nashville, Knoxville, or Memphis—have their own additional codes enforced by local health or housing departments. Check with your city, as these can set even stricter requirements for landlords. Local code enforcement officers may perform inspections if you file a complaint.

The Official Tribunal for Tennessee Rental Disputes

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (Landlord-Tenant Section) oversees landlord-tenant issues statewide. Local city codes offices also handle housing code complaints. You can seek information or file complaints if unsafe conditions persist and your landlord hasn’t acted.

Key Legislation: Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

The Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-28-101 et seq.) covers most counties with populations over 75,000. In other areas, slightly different local landlord-tenant rules may apply.

What to Do If Your Rental Isn’t Up to Code: Forms and Action Steps

If your landlord does not make necessary repairs after you alert them, you have the right to formally request repairs, and, in some circumstances, file a complaint with code enforcement.

• Notice to Landlord of Needed Repairs (Written Notice)
  There is no statewide official form, but you should write a clear letter (keep a copy) describing the issue, when it started, what repairs are needed, and stating you want it fixed within 14 days. This written notice is legally required before you can take further steps or file complaints.
  See example repair request letter (p. 3).
• Complaint to Local Codes Department or Health Department
  If you don’t get results after written notice, you can make a code complaint with your city or county’s codes enforcement or housing department. Check for online complaint forms or call your local office.
  Example: Nashville Housing Code Violation Complaint

FAQs: Rental Health and Safety Standards in Tennessee

1. What should I do if my landlord won’t fix unsafe conditions?
   Start by sending written notice describing the issue and requesting repairs. If there’s no response after 14 days, you can file a complaint with your local codes or health department for an inspection.
2. Can I withhold rent for unsafe conditions?
   Tennessee law does not generally allow you to withhold rent unless specifically permitted by court order. Always use official complaint channels first and consult local agencies before withholding rent.
3. What are the health code standards for heat, plumbing, and water?
   Your unit must have safe and adequate heat, hot and cold water, working plumbing, and be weatherproofed as required by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
4. How do I report a landlord for health code violations?
   After sending written notice to your landlord, if the issue persists, contact your city or county codes department and file a formal complaint. Provide details, dates, and any photos or documentation.
5. Are there official forms for repair requests or complaints?
   There is no standard statewide repair request form, but many local code departments offer online complaints. Always put your request in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• Tennessee law requires landlords to provide safe, healthy, and functional living spaces that meet minimum housing codes.
• Send written repair requests promptly and follow up with local authorities if necessary.
• The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance and local code offices can address unresolved health and safety issues in rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Landlord-Tenant Resources – General tenant rights, complaint info
• Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Act Brochure – Plain language summary
• Nashville Housing Code Violation Form – File a local complaint
• Memphis Code Enforcement – Report problems in the Memphis area
• Knoxville Community Development Corp. Tenant Resources

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1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-28-101 et seq.)
2. Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Landlord-Tenant Section
3. Nashville Department of Codes and Building Safety – Code Complaint
4. Official Landlord-Tenant Rights Brochure (State of Tennessee)

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