What disclosures must my landlord provide if my apartment is newly built?

For post-1978 homes, landlords must disclose their identity and contact info, agent info, and nonrefundable fees. Lead paint disclosures are not required.

What happens if my landlord does not give me a lead-based paint disclosure?

If required and not provided, your landlord may face penalties. Request the disclosure in writing first, then seek legal help if needed.

Who do I contact if I’m worried about flooding risks in my unit?

Ask your city housing authority or local code enforcement if flood history disclosure is required, then contact your landlord in writing.

Can a landlord charge a nonrefundable deposit?

Landlords may charge nonrefundable fees, but these must be clearly stated as 'nonrefundable' in the lease, separate from security deposits.

Where can I get official help if a disclosure is missing?

Contact your landlord first. If not resolved, reach out to your local General Sessions Court or housing authority.

Tennessee Lease Disclosure Requirements for Renters

Lease Agreements & Renewals Tennessee published: June 21, 2025

When you sign a residential lease in Tennessee, your landlord is legally required to give you certain written disclosures. Understanding these disclosures protects your rights, helps you avoid surprises, and gives you the power to spot unfair, illegal, or missing information in your lease agreement.

What Disclosures Must Be Included in a Tennessee Residential Lease?

Under Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must provide renters with key information at or before the start of the lease. Some disclosures apply statewide, while others may depend on your county or the building’s age.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for homes built before 1978)
Landlord’s Identity and Contact Information
Disclosure of Authorized Agents (who can act on landlord’s behalf)
Notice of Nonrefundable Fees (if applicable)
Flood Disclosure (if the property has flooded in the last 5 years - in some local jurisdictions only)

Each of these disclosures has a clear legal purpose – from alerting you about health risks to clarifying who collects the rent. If a landlord fails to provide these details, it can affect their ability to enforce parts of the lease or, in some cases, may let you end your lease early.

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (EPA Form)

If your rental unit was built before 1978, federal law requires landlords to provide an official lead paint information pamphlet and a completed Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA Form 747-K-1002). This disclosure warns you about potential lead hazards, especially if children live in the home.

Example: You move into a 1955 duplex in Nashville. Your landlord must share both the disclosure form and the EPA’s information pamphlet about lead risks before you sign the lease.
View the official Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form

2. Landlord’s Name and Address

Tennessee law requires written disclosure of the landlord’s or property owner’s name and address in every lease.

When Used: This ensures you know who to contact for repairs, notices, or emergencies. It also tells you who receives rent and legal documents.

The same goes for any authorized management agents.

3. Notice of Nonrefundable Fees

If your lease includes a fee that won’t be returned (like a cleaning fee), it must be clearly identified as “nonrefundable” in writing. Tennessee law protects you from being surprised by hidden or ambiguous deductions from your security deposit.^[1]

Example: If you pay a $150 pet fee that will not be returned, your lease should state: "This pet fee of $150 is nonrefundable."

4. Flood History Notification (in Some Areas)

In some Tennessee counties and cities (such as Nashville), landlords must tell you if your unit has flooded in the past five years. This protects you from unexpected property loss and safety risks. Ask your city’s housing authority for specifics in your area.

If you suspect you have not received a required disclosure, ask your landlord in writing and keep a copy of your request for your records.

Who Oversees Rental Housing in Tennessee?

The official tribunal for rental disputes is the Tennessee General Sessions Court. If you have an unresolved issue regarding disclosures, this is where landlord and tenant cases are usually heard. Many cities also have local housing authorities for additional guidance.

Relevant Forms for Tennessee Renters

Below are essential forms you might encounter or need during your tenancy:

EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (Form 747-K-1002)
Required for any unit built before 1978. Use this form to confirm you were properly informed. Your landlord must give it to you before lease signing.
Request for Repairs/Missing Disclosures (no official state form)
You can write a signed letter or email to your landlord requesting missing disclosures or information. There is no standardized form in Tennessee, but written communication is recommended for your protection.

What Can You Do if Required Disclosures Are Missing?

If you believe your landlord withheld legally required information, you have options. You can:

Send a written request asking for the missing disclosure
Document all communication in writing
Reach out to your local housing authority or the General Sessions Court for guidance
If you face health or safety risks (like lead paint exposure), contact the Tennessee Department of Health – Environmental Health

This process usually starts with a letter to your landlord, giving them a chance to correct the issue before seeking legal help.

FAQ: Tennessee Lease Disclosure Requirements

What disclosures must my landlord provide if my apartment is newly built?
For newly built homes (post-1978), the main required disclosures are the landlord’s identity and contact info, agent info if applicable, and clear notification of nonrefundable fees. Lead paint disclosures do not apply to new construction.
What happens if my landlord does not give me a lead-based paint disclosure?
If legally required disclosures like this are missing in a pre-1978 building, your landlord may face federal penalties and you could take legal action. Always request the disclosure in writing first.
Who do I contact if I’m worried about flooding risks in my unit?
Check with your city’s housing authority or local code enforcement to see if flood history disclosure is required, then write your landlord for information. For emergencies, contact your local government directly.
Can a landlord charge a nonrefundable deposit?
While landlords can charge certain nonrefundable fees, these MUST be clearly stated in writing as "nonrefundable" in the lease. Security deposits must be handled according to state law.
Where can I get official help if a disclosure is missing?
Your first step should be your landlord, but if that fails, contact the Tennessee General Sessions Court or your local housing authority for guidance and next steps.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

Tennessee law protects renters by requiring landlords to provide crucial information up front
Always ask for disclosures in writing if you did not receive them
Keep copies of all communication and contact local officials for support if needed

Staying proactive ensures a safer, more transparent renting experience for you and your household.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-101 et seq. – View Current Statute
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: U.S. EPA, Title X, Section 1018, 42 U.S.C. 4852d – Official EPA Disclosure Info
Tennessee General Sessions Court: Overview and Locations