Tennessee Emergency Exit Lighting Standards: What Renters Need to Know

If you rent in Tennessee, understanding emergency exit lighting standards is key to ensuring your apartment or rental home is safe during an emergency. Tennessee law requires landlords to maintain certain safety features—including emergency exit signs and lighting—to help tenants evacuate safely if needed. This guide explains your rights, what standards apply, and what to do if you notice a problem.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Standards in Tennessee?

Emergency exit lighting ensures that pathways out of a building are visible during power outages, fires, or other emergencies. These standards help protect tenants and visitors by making exits easy to locate and navigate, even in darkness or smoke.

Key Requirements for Rental Properties

• Exit routes—such as hallways, staircases, and doors—must be clearly marked with illuminated exit signs.
• All emergency lighting and signage must have battery backup power, so they continue to function during outages.
• Landlords are responsible for regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of all exit lights and signs.
• Standards are set by the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office and local building codes.

For renters in apartment buildings and multi-family properties, these rules are especially important for communal hallways and exits. Single-family rental homes are generally not required to have emergency exit lighting if there are direct, clearly accessible exits to the outside.

Your Rights and Landlord Responsibilities

Under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), landlords must keep all common areas—including emergency lighting—safe and compliant with building and fire codes¹.

• Landlords must fix any reported problems with emergency lighting in a timely manner.
• If you notice malfunctioning or missing exit lights, you have the right to request repairs.
• Failure to maintain these safety features may violate state law and local ordinances.

If you submit a maintenance request about exit lighting and it is not addressed, you may contact your local code enforcement or the Fire Marshal’s Office for an inspection.

Relevant Forms for Renters

• Tenant Repair Request (no specific state form): Put your request for emergency lighting repair in writing to your landlord, describing the issue and asking for prompt repair. You can use any written communication (email, letter). Example: "The emergency exit sign outside my apartment is not working. Please repair it as soon as possible for safety."
• Property Maintenance Complaint Form: Some Tennessee cities and counties provide a local code enforcement complaint form to report safety issues (including faulty emergency lighting). Find the form on your local city government or county website. Example from Nashville: Report a Property Code Violation (Nashville).

After filing a property maintenance complaint, an inspector may visit the property to verify the issue and direct the landlord to correct it.

How Tennessee Law Protects Your Safety

The main law covering renter safety and maintenance standards is the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) (Tennessee Code Annotated Title 66, Chapter 28). Additionally, the Tennessee Building Code and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Code (adopted by Tennessee) provide clear rules for emergency exit signs and lighting in multi-unit rental properties.

• The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office is the main authority for fire and emergency safety standards.
• Your city or county building inspector or code enforcement office handles local complaints about safety or code violations.

FAQ: Emergency Exit Lighting for Tennessee Renters

1. Does my landlord have to provide emergency exit lighting in Tennessee?
   Yes, landlords of multi-unit buildings are required to provide and maintain emergency exit lighting in common areas. Single-family homes may not need exit lighting unless specified by local codes.
2. What should I do if an exit light is broken or missing?
   Notify your landlord in writing and request repairs. If the issue is not fixed quickly, you can file a complaint with your local code enforcement or Fire Marshal’s office.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord ignores lighting violations?
   Withholding rent can put you at risk for eviction. Instead, follow the proper process by reporting the problem and contacting local authorities if needed.
4. Who enforces emergency exit lighting standards in Tennessee?
   The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office and local code enforcement agencies handle inspections and enforcement.
5. Is there a specific form for reporting emergency lighting problems?
   While the state does not have a universal form, many cities/counties provide property violation complaint forms online. Use your local government’s site or call for assistance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• Landlords must maintain safe, working emergency exit lighting in all common areas of multi-unit rentals.
• You have the right to report issues and request timely repairs from your landlord or from local code enforcement.
• The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office and local officials enforce these laws and can help ensure your building is compliant.

Staying informed about your rights and local safety standards helps keep you and your neighbors safe in an emergency.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office – Information and complaints about fire and building safety
• Tennessee Consumer Affairs – Renters’ Rights
• Tennessee Courts – Legal proceedings related to landlord-tenant disputes
• Nashville Code Report Form – Example of a city property code complaint resource
• University of Tennessee Legal Clinic – Free or low-cost legal help for renters in Tennessee

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1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. § 66-28-304)
2. Tennessee Building Codes (International Codes Council)
3. Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office – Building and Fire Safety

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