What should I do if I receive a 7-day notice for unpaid rent?

Pay the overdue rent and any fees within 7 days if you wish to remain. If that's not possible, reach out to your landlord or seek help from local agencies.

Can my landlord give me a 7-day notice without warning?

Yes, for repeated violations, major lease breaches, or safety issues. For first-time minor issues, a 30-day notice is typically needed.

What happens if I ignore an eviction notice?

Ignoring the notice may result in your landlord filing an eviction lawsuit and could lead to court-ordered removal from your home.

Tennessee 30-Day and 7-Day Eviction Notice Rules Explained

Evictions & Lease Violations Tennessee published: June 21, 2025

Understanding eviction notices is crucial for renters in Tennessee. If you receive a 30-day or 7-day eviction notice, it can be unsettling and confusing. Knowing your rights—and what steps to take—can help you respond confidently and protect your home. This guide explains Tennessee's notice requirements, how they differ, and what actions you can take if you receive one, all according to current state law.

Types of Eviction Notices in Tennessee

Tennessee law specifies two main types of eviction notices for renters facing removal from their rental home:

30-Day Notice: Usually for non-renewal or lease violations that are not repeated or severe.
7-Day Notice: Typically for repeated or significant lease violations, or unpaid rent in some areas.

Both notice periods are designed to give renters time to correct an issue (when possible) or prepare to move out. The notice required can depend on your county, the reason for eviction, and your rental history.

When Is a 30-Day Notice Used in Tennessee?

A 30-day eviction notice is most often issued when:

You are on a month-to-month lease and the landlord does not wish to renew.
The landlord alleges a first-time lease violation—for example, keeping a pet in a "no pets" unit.
You are outside of the state's "Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act" (URLTA) areas (applies in counties with populations above 75,000).

With a 30-day notice, you usually have the opportunity to remedy the violation within 14 days, unless the issue is not correctable.

Example

If your rent is late in a non-URLTA county, a landlord must provide a 30-day notice to leave. In URLTA counties, the timeline is usually shorter. You can verify if your county is covered by checking the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance list of areas where the URLTA applies.

When Is a 7-Day Notice Used?

A 7-day eviction notice is typically used in these situations:

Failure to pay rent on time—in counties under the URLTA, if rent is late, landlords may give a 7-day notice before filing an eviction action.
Second or repeated lease violations—if you've had a similar issue in the last 6 months, the landlord can issue a 7-day notice with no opportunity to fix the problem.
Dangerous behavior or major lease breaches—such as causing significant property damage or threatening health and safety.

These notices mean you must either fix the issue (if allowed) or move out within 7 days.

Official Forms for Tennessee Eviction Notices

30-Day Notice to Vacate (No Official State Form)
There is no universal state-issued form for 30-day eviction notices. Landlords often provide a written notice, as required by Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505. If you receive a notice, check that it includes:
- Your name and address
- The property address
- The reason for the notice
- The date by which you must move or correct the issue
If you are unsure about a 30-day notice you received, you can call the local housing authority or seek free legal advice from a local legal aid office.
7-Day Notice to Quit (No Official State Form)
Like the 30-day notice, no state-issued 7-day form exists. Landlords must provide written notice complying with Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505.
Sample information in this notice should include:
- Nature of the violation (e.g., late rent, repeated lease breach)
- Whether you have an opportunity to fix it ("cure")
- Date when action must be completed
See the official landlord-tenant guide from Tennessee State for more on required notice content.

What Happens After Receiving an Eviction Notice?

Receiving a notice is not the same as being evicted. Here’s what usually happens next:

Landlord serves you with the notice (in person, at your residence, or by certified mail).
You have the specified number of days to move out or fix the issue.
If you don’t resolve the issue or leave on time, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit (called an "unlawful detainer") at court.
You will receive a court summons with details about your hearing (see official landlord-tenant court info).

Your landlord cannot forcibly remove you or your belongings without a court order. Only authorized court officers may evict tenants after a judge makes a ruling.

Which Authority Handles Evictions in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, residential eviction cases are handled by the General Sessions Court in your county. This court hears landlord-tenant disputes, issues summonses, and—if necessary—orders evictions according to state landlord-tenant legislation.

Action Steps: What to Do If You Get an Eviction Notice

Read the notice carefully to understand the reason for eviction and your deadlines.
Check your lease for terms that might help your case.
Decide if you can fix the problem (like paying off late rent or stopping a violation).
Communicate with your landlord (in writing) if you believe the notice is a mistake or if you are actively resolving the problem.
Save all documents, receipts, and proof of your actions.
Seek legal help or housing counseling if you want to fight the eviction or need advice. Free legal resources are available statewide (see Resources below).

FAQ: Tennessee Eviction Notices for Renters

What should I do if I receive a 7-day notice for unpaid rent?
If you want to stay, pay the overdue rent plus any late fees within the 7 days. Keep a record of payment. If you can't pay, consider communicating with your landlord about payment plans or seek help from local agencies.
Can my landlord give me a 7-day notice without warning?
Generally, for first-time, minor violations, a 30-day notice is required. However, for repeat violations, major breaches, or serious safety issues, your landlord can use a 7-day notice.
What happens if I ignore an eviction notice?
If you do not respond, fix the problem, or leave, your landlord can file a lawsuit in General Sessions Court. Ignoring the notice increases your risk of court-ordered eviction and future rental problems.
Does the landlord have to use an official state form?
No. Tennessee does not require landlords to use a specific state-issued form for notices, but the information must follow what the law requires and be given to you in writing.
Where can I find more information about my renting rights?
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance Consumer Affairs page and the Tennessee Courts Self-Help Center offer explanations of renters’ rights and responsibilities.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

7-day and 30-day notices in Tennessee depend on location, reason, and rental history.
Use the notice period to try and resolve issues with your landlord, gather paperwork, or get help if needed.
Always respond or seek support—never ignore an eviction notice!

Understanding the notice you receive can help protect your rental rights, and acting quickly is always your best defense.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Consumer Affairs
Tennessee Courts Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center
Find Your County's General Sessions Court
Tennessee Legal Aid Services: Free or low-cost legal help for renters
Official Landlord-Tenant Resource Guide