Does Tennessee have any rent control or rent stabilization laws?

No. Tennessee law prohibits rent control, so landlords can set rents freely, including after a vacancy.

What happens to the rent when a tenant moves out?

Landlords can set the rent for a new tenant at any amount. There are no state-imposed limits or controls.

How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent?

At least 30 days written notice is required for most month-to-month leases. Check your lease for specific requirements.

Are there protections against sudden eviction after a rent increase?

Landlords must provide proper notice (typically 30 days) if they choose to end a month-to-month tenancy.

Who do I contact if I have a dispute about rent or lease terms?

You can contact your local General Sessions Court or visit the state’s Tenants & Landlords resource page for help.

Vacancy Decontrol in Tennessee: What Renters Need to Know

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Tennessee published June 21, 2025

Vacancy decontrol is an important topic for renters, especially when considering the legal landscape surrounding rent-controlled or rent-stabilized units. In Tennessee, understanding how rent changes when an apartment or rental unit becomes vacant can help you better anticipate your housing costs and protect your rights as a tenant.

Does Tennessee Have Rent Control or Vacancy Decontrol?

Tennessee state law currently prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This means there are no apartments covered by official rent control or rent stabilization programs in the state. As a result, the concept of vacancy decontrol—where a landlord can raise rent without legal limits when a unit becomes vacant—applies across all privately owned rentals. When a tenant leaves a unit for any reason, the landlord is legally allowed to set the new rent at any amount without state or local restrictions.^[1]

Key Takeaways for Renters

Tennessee does not have any statewide or city-level rent control laws.
When a unit becomes vacant, there are no limits on the rent a landlord can charge the next tenant.
There are still legal protections related to notice of rent increases and other landlord-tenant rules.

Because of this, it’s important for renters to review lease terms carefully and stay alert to any changes in rent upon lease renewal or after moving out and back in to a new location.

Relevant Legislation: Tennessee Landlord and Tenant Act

The Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. §§ 66-28-101 et seq.) is the main law that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in most urban and suburban areas of Tennessee.^[2] While it does not establish rent control, it includes:

Minimum notice requirements for termination and non-renewal
Rules for security deposits and repairs
Prohibitions against landlord retaliation

Smaller towns or counties with fewer than 75,000 residents may be governed by the general state landlord and tenant statutes in chapter 7 instead of chapter 28.

Your Rights When a Lease Expires or a Unit Becomes Vacant

Even though there are no rent-controlled units in Tennessee, renters are protected by other regulations such as:

Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent on month-to-month leases^[3]
Any rent increases become effective only after the notice period ends (unless lease terms specify differently)
Discrimination in housing is illegal under federal and state law

Are Any Official Forms Required?

Unlike rent-controlled states, Tennessee does not have special vacancy decontrol forms. However, standard landlord-tenant forms are available for key processes:

Notice of Rent Increase (no specific statewide form):
Used by landlords to provide written notice to month-to-month tenants about changes in rent. For example, if your lease is month-to-month and your landlord wants to increase the rent, they must notify you at least 30 days in advance. Templates may be found through the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance, but most landlords create their own letter.
30-Day Notice to Vacate:
Used by either a landlord or tenant to end a month-to-month lease. You must provide written notice to your landlord if you decide to move out, or your landlord must do so if they’re ending your tenancy.

Who Handles Landlord-Tenant Matters in Tennessee?

There is no separate state-level residential tenancy tribunal in Tennessee. Disputes are usually resolved through local courts (such as General Sessions Court). However, you can find information and resources on the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Tenants & Landlords website.

For legal issues or disputes, contact your local General Sessions Court or seek assistance from a qualified attorney or nonprofit tenant resource.

Summary: What Vacancy Decontrol Means for Tennessee Renters

In Tennessee, landlords have broad freedom to set rental prices for vacant units. When a lease ends or a unit becomes available, there are no legal limits on how much rent can be charged to new tenants. It’s crucial to negotiate carefully and understand your lease terms when moving into a new apartment or renewing a lease.

Tip: Always get any promises about rent, repairs, or renewals in writing, and keep copies of your communications and lease documents for your records.

FAQs About Vacancy Decontrol and Rent Increases in Tennessee

Does Tennessee have any rent control or rent stabilization laws?
No. Tennessee law prohibits rent control, so landlords can set rents freely, including after a vacancy.
What happens to the rent when a tenant moves out?
Landlords can set the rent for a new tenant at any amount. There are no state-imposed limits or controls.
How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent?
At least 30 days written notice is required for most month-to-month leases. Check your lease for specific requirements.
Are there protections against sudden eviction after a rent increase?
Landlords must provide proper notice (typically 30 days) if they choose to end a month-to-month tenancy. Your lease should outline your rights if you have a fixed-term agreement.
Who do I contact if I have a dispute about rent or lease terms?
You can contact your local General Sessions Court or visit the state’s Tenants & Landlords resource page for help.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

There is no rent control or stabilization, and vacancy decontrol is standard across the state.
Landlords can increase rent to market rates between tenants.
Always review your lease, be aware of notice periods, and know your general rights under the law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Tenants & Landlords: Tenant rights, forms, and guidance
Contact your local General Sessions Court for dispute resolution and legal steps
Tennessee Attorney General – Consumer Affairs (for consumer protection complaints)

Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 66-35-102. "No local regulation of rent." Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Tenants & Landlords
Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. §§ 66-28-101 et seq.)
Official Tennessee Rental Regulations: Notice requirements and rent increase guidance