Tennessee Renters: Your Rights When Elevators Stop Working

If you live in a high-rise apartment in Tennessee, functioning elevators are essential—especially for renters with disabilities or mobility needs. When elevator outages strike, it can disrupt your life and jeopardize your health and safety. Understanding your rights and the responsibilities of your landlord can help you respond effectively and seek timely solutions.

Understanding Elevator Obligations in Tennessee Rentals

Landlords in Tennessee must maintain safe and livable rental units, which includes ensuring elevators are functional when provided. This requirement is part of the "implied warranty of habitability" under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)^[1], which covers most rental dwellings in counties with more than 75,000 residents.

• Elevator maintenance is the landlord's responsibility. Prompt repairs are necessary.
• Outages must be addressed within a "reasonable time" (generally 14 days) after the landlord is notified.
• Delays may violate accessibility rights, especially for tenants with disabilities.

If you are affected by an elevator outage, it's important to notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible.

Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation Rights

Renters with disabilities have additional protections under federal law, such as the Fair Housing Act^[2]). If a broken elevator blocks access to your unit or building amenities, you may request a reasonable accommodation.

• This could mean asking for expedited repairs or, where needed, temporary relocation assistance.
• Put accommodation requests in writing, clearly explaining the impact of the elevator outage on your daily life or health.

Landlords must respond to reasonable accommodation requests promptly and cannot retaliate against you for making one.

Steps to Take if Elevator Repairs Are Delayed

If your landlord does not fix the elevator within a reasonable time after receiving your notice, consider these actions:

• Follow up in writing and request an update. Save copies of all communications.
• Look up your local codes: Some cities—like Nashville and Memphis—may have stricter timelines for essential repairs.
• File a complaint with your city’s code enforcement or building department if you suspect safety violations.
• If still unresolved, you may have grounds to reduce rent or end your lease early under Tennessee law (after proper notice).

Some renters also consider filing forms to document the problem or escalate to a legal tribunal.

Important Forms and Where to File Complaints

• Notice to Landlord to Repair or Correct Condition (URLTA). Use this form to formally notify your landlord about the elevator outage and request repairs.
  Example: If you emailed your landlord but repairs have not started after several days, send this written notice by certified mail.
  Tennessee Notice to Landlord form (official resource)
• Reasonable Accommodation Request Letter. There is no official Tennessee form, but you can write a letter to request accommodation for a disability caused by the outage.
  Template guidance from HUD Reasonable Accommodation guidance
• Local Code Enforcement Complaint. Most cities allow you to report safety hazards online or by phone. For example, Memphis Neighborhood Improvement Complaints

If unresolved, you may file a case with the General Sessions Court of your county, which handles landlord-tenant disputes in Tennessee.

Legal Protections and Next Steps

The Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) is the main legislation covering renter rights. If you're unsure whether you're covered, check if your county is on the official URLTA jurisdiction list.^[3]

• URLTA sets rules for repairs, habitability, and remedies if landlords fail to provide required services.
• Always follow the official process before withholding rent or ending your lease.

In most cases, the General Sessions Court is the tribunal that decides residential landlord-tenant disputes in Tennessee.

FAQ: Elevator Outages in Tennessee High-Rise Rentals

1. What counts as a "reasonable time" for elevator repairs?
   Tennessee law generally considers 14 days as a reasonable time to fix essential services after receiving proper notice from the tenant. Local codes may be stricter.
2. Can I break my lease if the elevator stays broken?
   If the landlord does not repair after written notice and within the allowed timeframe, tenants can sometimes end the lease without penalty—but must follow the correct legal steps.
3. What if I have a disability and need the elevator?
   You can request a reasonable accommodation. Provide written documentation and request expedited repairs or help accessing another unit.
4. Who enforces elevator safety in Tennessee apartments?
   Elevator safety is inspected by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Building habitability rules are enforced by local code departments and the court system.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• Elevator maintenance is the landlord’s duty. Report outages promptly in writing.
• Tenants with disabilities should request reasonable accommodation if access is blocked.
• Use official forms and follow required steps before reducing rent or ending a lease.

Quick, thorough communication and knowing your rights are your best tools if elevator problems persist.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Renters Resources
• General Sessions Court—Landlord-Tenant Actions
• Tennessee Elevator Safety and Inspection — to report elevator hazards
• HUD Complaint Process—Fair Housing (Disability Rights)
• Tennessee Fair Housing Council—Advocacy and support

---

1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)
2. Fair Housing Act—Disability Overview (HUD)
3. Official Tennessee URLTA County List

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