Understanding Rent Gouging Laws for Tennessee Renters

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Tennessee, sudden and steep rent increases can feel overwhelming. Many renters are left wondering: Is there a law against rent gouging in Tennessee? This guide explains renter protections relating to rent gouging under Tennessee law, how increases are handled, and what steps you can take if you believe a rent hike is unfair—using plain language and official resources.

Does Tennessee Have Rent Gouging Laws?

Tennessee does not have a statewide law that specifically limits how much a landlord can increase your rent or a set legal definition of "rent gouging." Unlike some states that have rent control or restrictions on how often or by how much rent can be raised, Tennessee leaves most rent pricing decisions to private agreements between landlords and tenants.

• No statewide rent control: Landlords can generally increase rent as much and as often as they wish, unless your city has its own restrictions (which is rare).
• No statutory cap on rent increases: There is no maximum legal percentage for raising rent.

However, landlords must follow proper notice rules. Rent cannot be increased during the term of a lease. For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before any change in the rent amount.^[1]

What Counts as Rent Gouging in Tennessee?

Although Tennessee has laws against price gouging for goods and services during a declared emergency, these do not apply to residential rent under normal circumstances. In practical terms:

• A landlord can set or raise rent freely, except during the lease term or where discriminatory motives are involved.
• All rent increases must comply with fair housing laws and must not be retaliatory (in response to a tenant’s legitimate complaint or action).
• Local rules may apply in rare cases—always check with your city or county government.

Discriminatory or retaliatory rent increases—such as raising rent specifically because a tenant filed a code complaint—are prohibited under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA).^[2]

Proper Rent Increase Notice Requirements

Landlords must provide written notice before raising rent for:

• Month-to-month tenants: At least 30 days’ notice.
• Fixed-term leases: Rent cannot be increased until the lease ends (unless your lease allows mid-term increases and you agreed in writing).

If you’re unsure about your lease or the notice you received, check for official forms or guidance from your local housing office.

Official Forms and How They're Used

• Notice of Rent Increase: While there is no single statewide form, landlords typically provide a simple written letter with the new amount and start date. You can see official guidance and sample forms from the Tennessee Department of Human Services here.
  Example: Your landlord sends you a signed letter stating your rent will increase to $1,200 effective 30 days from the notice date.
• Complaint to Local Code Enforcement: If you suspect retaliation for requesting repairs (such as a sudden increase in rent after a maintenance request), you may use the Code Enforcement Complaint Form for your city.
  Example: You filed a complaint about hazardous wiring and then received a steep rent increase shortly after. You could document this pattern and submit a code enforcement form.

If you believe a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, you can also contact the Tennessee Human Rights Commission for guidance.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Tennessee?

Residential tenancy disputes in Tennessee are typically handled by the General Sessions Court in the county where the rental property is located. This is where eviction cases, disputes over deposits, and issues like improper rent increases are decided.

Summary of Key Tennessee Rental Laws

• Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) – Applies in counties with populations over 75,000 and covers landlord/tenant rights, notice requirements, and more.^[2]
• Tennessee Price Gouging Law – Governs goods/services during emergencies but generally not rent.^[3]

For renters living outside urban counties, other general landlord-tenant statutes apply. Check this official source for the full legislation text.

Action Steps for Tennessee Renters

If you believe a rent increase is unfair or retaliatory:

• Confirm whether you received at least 30 days’ written notice (if month-to-month).
• Review your lease terms for specific clauses about rent increases.
• Document any communication about repairs or complaints if you suspect retaliation.
• Contact local code enforcement or the Tennessee Human Rights Commission if you suspect discrimination or retaliation.
• If needed, file a dispute in General Sessions Court.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a statewide cap on rent increases in Tennessee?
   No. Tennessee does not have a statewide cap or limit on how much a landlord can increase rent. In most areas, the landlord must only provide the proper written notice.
2. Can my landlord raise the rent without written notice?
   No. For month-to-month agreements, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before any rent increase.
3. What should I do if I think a rent increase is retaliation?
   Keep records of all communications, especially if you recently exercised your rights (like requesting repairs) before your rent was raised. You can contact local code enforcement or the Tennessee Human Rights Commission for help.
4. Where do I resolve a dispute about a rent increase?
   Rental disputes, including improper notice or suspected retaliation, are handled in the General Sessions Court for your county.
5. Is there rent control in any city or county in Tennessee?
   No cities or counties in Tennessee currently have rent control laws limiting how much rent can be raised. Local ordinances are rare, so always check your lease and ask your city for updates.

Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• There is no statewide law limiting rent increases, but written notice is required for changes.
• Retaliatory or discriminatory rent increases are illegal under URLTA and federal law.
• Tenancy disputes are handled by your local General Sessions Court.

Remember to check your lease, document all communications, and use official resources if you need advice or wish to file a complaint.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Housing Development Agency: Housing resources and tenant information
• Tennessee Human Rights Commission: For complaints regarding discrimination or retaliation
• General Sessions Court Directory: Find your county court for filing complaints
• Tennessee Attorney General — Price Gouging Information

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1. See Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 66-28-201 et seq.
2. Full text of URLTA (Public Chapter 491)
3. Tennessee Attorney General: Price Gouging Explained

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