Tennessee Tenant Rights During Building Repairs

If you’re a renter in Tennessee, you have certain protections when your building or apartment is undergoing repairs. Whether your landlord needs to fix urgent safety issues or schedule major renovations, it’s important to know your legal rights and the steps both parties must follow under state law.

Understanding Landlord Repair Responsibilities in Tennessee

Under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition. This means keeping your rental safe, sanitary, and in good repair^[1]:

• Fixing broken heating, plumbing, or electrical systems
• Repairing structural damage or unsafe conditions
• Ensuring running water and working smoke detectors

Landlords must generally start repairs promptly after learning about a problem. However, there are specific rules about notice, timelines, and renter protections to be aware of.

Your Rights During Repairs

Advance Notice Requirements

A landlord must give you at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your rental to perform non-emergency repairs, unless there is an urgent threat to health or safety^[1]. Entry should occur at reasonable times.

Temporary Relocation and Rent Reduction

• If major repairs make your apartment unsafe or wholly unusable, you may have the right to temporarily vacate the unit.
• You are generally entitled to a rent reduction if large parts of your home become unlivable during repairs.
• For emergency repairs, landlords cannot force you to move out unless the repairs cannot be safely made with you present.

When Repairs Are Delayed or Unfinished

If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs after you notify them in writing, Tennessee law lets you take certain actions. You can:

• Deliver written notice that specifies the repairs needed
• Give your landlord at least 14 days to remedy the problem (unless the issue is an emergency)

If the landlord does not fix the issue in that time and the problem is serious enough to impact health or safety, you may terminate your lease or, in some cases, arrange repairs yourself and deduct reasonable costs from the next rent payment. Always check whether your city is covered under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — it applies only to counties with more than 75,000 residents.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Tennessee Notice to Landlord of Repairs Needed (No official form number): This is a written notice you deliver to your landlord to formally request repairs. You should:
  • Include your name, address, specific repairs needed, and a date
  • Retain a copy for your records
  • Send by certified mail or email if possible
  Sample TN Tenant Repair Request Template
• Notice of Termination Letter (No official form number): If major repairs are not made after reasonable notice, you may give written notice of your intent to terminate the lease.
  • State your reasons and the expiration of the notice period (at least 14 days unless otherwise specified by the lease)
  Sample TN Lease Termination Notice

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Resolution

If your landlord refuses to address urgent repairs, you may need to escalate the issue:

• Contact your local Codes Enforcement Office for inspection and orders
• File a complaint with the Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division
• If needed, pursue the matter in civil court or the local General Sessions Court, which handles landlord-tenant disputes in Tennessee. See the General Sessions Court directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord make me leave the apartment for repairs?
   Generally, you can stay during repairs, unless the work makes your unit dangerous or uninhabitable. If you must temporarily leave, discuss a rent reduction or alternative accommodations with your landlord.
2. What if my landlord does not fix something after I’ve given written notice?
   If the problem affects safety or is a major utility issue, and your landlord does not repair it within 14 days, you may be able to end your lease or have repairs done and deduct costs. Document everything and follow the official process.
3. Do I have to pay full rent when repairs make part of my apartment unusable?
   No. If major repairs block access to important parts of your home, you are typically entitled to a reasonable rent reduction until repairs are done.
4. What notice must my landlord give before entering my place?
   For non-emergency repairs, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ notice.
   
5. Who handles official complaints about landlord repairs in Tennessee?
   Your local Codes Enforcement Office or General Sessions Court can address tenant complaints if a landlord will not make necessary repairs. The General Sessions Court is the main tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes.

Key Takeaways

• You have the right to a safe, livable rental during repairs.
• Always give written notice for repair issues and keep all records.
• Seek a rent reduction or alternative if repairs make your home unlivable.

Understanding your rights protects both your home and your peace of mind.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Affairs – file a complaint or seek mediation
• General Sessions Court – official Tennessee board handling tenant disputes
• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – housing regulations and resources
• Tennessee Housing Development Agency – rental assistance and resources

---

1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. § 66-28-101 et seq.)

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations