Does Tennessee have any rent control or rent stabilization laws?

No, Tennessee law prohibits rent control and rent stabilization ordinances at the state and local level.

How much notice does a landlord have to give for a rent increase in Tennessee?

For most month-to-month leases, landlords must provide 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase.

Which tribunal or court handles tenant-landlord disputes in Tennessee?

The General Sessions Court in your county is the tribunal for residential tenancy disputes.

What form do I use to report housing discrimination related to rent?

Use the HUD Discrimination Complaint Form (Form HUD-903) available online from HUD.

Can my landlord raise my rent as retaliation?

No. Tennessee law does not allow landlords to increase rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights.

Understanding Rent Control Laws and Campaigns in Tennessee

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Tennessee published June 21, 2025

As a renter in Tennessee, understanding your rights about rent increases and tenant protections is crucial—especially since news headlines about rent control laws often spark questions. While some major U.S. cities have active rent control or rent stabilization laws, Tennessee has a distinct legal approach and history regarding these protections that every tenant should know.

What Is Rent Control and Why Does It Matter?

Rent control is a policy that limits how much landlords can increase rent each year, aiming to keep housing affordable. Some states and cities in the U.S., like New York and California, have adopted such policies to respond to rapidly rising rents and high demand.

Rent stabilization is similar but often includes additional tenant protections, such as just-cause eviction rules. In either case, these laws can affect how easily a renter can plan for the future and budget, especially when housing costs rise quickly.

Historic Rent Control Campaigns and Legal Developments in Tennessee

Unlike some states, Tennessee has never adopted state-wide or local rent control ordinances. In fact, Tennessee law specifically prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control policies. Despite this, over the years, there have been advocacy campaigns among renters and local groups calling for increased protections and affordability measures—particularly as rents have risen in Nashville, Memphis, and other growing communities.

The main reason rent control campaigns in Tennessee have not succeeded is due to a state preemption law. The law restricts local governments from regulating rent prices on private residential property. This makes Tennessee different from states where local governments have authority to decide on rent control ordinances.

Key Law: Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 66-35-102 - Prohibition of Rent Control

Tennessee law expressly prohibits local government rent regulation.
This means that no city or county government in Tennessee may pass new laws to limit how much a landlord can charge or increase rent for most private housing.

Historically, local advocacy groups have held rallies and petition drives urging lawmakers to reconsider these statutes, especially as housing affordability has become a key issue. While these historic rent control campaigns have brought attention to renter struggles, so far the legislative framework remains unchanged as of this year.

Current Tenant Rights for Rent Increases in Tennessee

Even without rent control, Tennessee law still protects renters’ basic rights. Under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), certain requirements apply in urban counties:

Notice for Rent Increases: If you are on a month-to-month lease, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing your rent.
Rent increases are allowed, but must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
If you have a fixed-term lease (for example, one year), your rent can only change when the lease is renewed or if your lease agreement says otherwise.

Filing a Complaint: Forms and Where to Go

While there is no rent control, renters facing improper notice or suspecting discriminatory practices do have recourse. If you believe your landlord did not follow required notice or is charging discriminatory rents, you may file a complaint.

Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form: HUD-903 Online/Printable)
Use this form to report discrimination in housing, such as if a landlord increases rent based on race, disability, or other protected status.
Example: If you believe a rent hike was made because of your family status, fill out and submit the HUD Discrimination Complaint Form directly to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Tennessee does not have a state-specific rent increase challenge form, because landlords can legally raise the rent given proper notice in most cases. For local city issues or complaints, you may contact your city’s housing code or tenants’ services department.

Where Are Rental Disputes Handled?

Rental disputes are heard in your county’s General Sessions Court. For questions about eviction, security deposits, or lease disagreements, renters and landlords can appear before the local General Sessions Court of your county. This is Tennessee’s official tribunal for landlord-tenant cases.

If you’re unsure about your notice or rights regarding rent increases or possible retaliation, consider contacting your city or county’s housing department or seeking legal aid for advice specific to your area.

FAQ: Tennessee Rent Control and Tenant Rights

Does Tennessee have any rent control or rent stabilization laws?
No, Tennessee law expressly prohibits local or state-level rent control. Landlords can set and increase rents with proper notice as required by law.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
For most month-to-month leases, at least 30 days' written notice is required before any rent increase takes effect.
Can my landlord increase my rent for retaliatory reasons?
No. The law forbids landlords from raising rent to retaliate against renters for exercising legal rights, such as complaining about maintenance.
Where do I go if I have a dispute with my landlord?
You can file cases related to landlord-tenant disputes in your county’s General Sessions Court, which acts as the main tribunal for these matters.
Where can I file a complaint if I face housing discrimination?
You should use the HUD Discrimination Complaint Form to report any suspected housing discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Tennessee General Sessions Court Directory – Find your local court for disputes
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) – Resources for Renters
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Tennessee Field Office
Tennessee Human Rights Commission – Complaint Process
Free and low-cost legal help: Search the Tennessee Legal Aid Directory

Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-35-102. Prohibition of rent control. Official text
Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA). Official legislation (PDF)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Discrimination Complaint Form. Submit a complaint online
General Sessions Court information. Official Tennessee Courts directory