What Renters Should Know About Rent Control Laws in Tennessee

If you are renting in Tennessee and worried about rent increases, it’s important to know your rights regarding rent control and stabilization. While many states and cities have laws that limit how much landlords can increase rent, Tennessee currently restricts local governments from enacting their own rent control measures. Understanding the law will help you plan, respond to rent hikes, and make informed housing choices.

Current Rent Control Laws in Tennessee

At present, there are no statewide or local rent control or rent stabilization regulations in Tennessee. This means landlords are generally free to set rental prices and increase them as they choose, so long as they comply with lease terms and provide proper notice.^[1] The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance oversees landlord-tenant relations at the state level.

Key Law: Rent Control Preemption

According to Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-35-102, local governments are prohibited from adopting, maintaining, or enforcing any ordinance or regulation that controls the amount of rent that may be charged for privately owned, residential rental property.^[2]

• No city or county can implement rent control laws for private rentals.
• Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month tenancy.^[3]

For more, review the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA).

Could Rent Control Laws Change in Tennessee?

There have been ongoing discussions amongst tenants’ rights advocates, renters, and housing policy experts about introducing rent stabilization or increasing tenant protections in the future. However, as of this year, there are no pending state bills in the Tennessee General Assembly proposing statewide or local rent control. The topic continues to be debated in public forums and local advocacy groups.

Any future change would likely require legislative action at the state level to amend the law that currently prevents local rent control. Stay informed by following updates from the Tennessee General Assembly Bill Search.

What Does This Mean for Renters?

• Your landlord can generally raise your rent with sufficient notice.
• There are some legal protections against discriminatory or retaliatory rent hikes.
• For renters in cities like Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville, local rent control measures are not currently allowed by law.

Tribunal Handling Residential Tenancies

In Tennessee, routine landlord-tenant disputes are resolved in General Sessions Court in the county where the property is located. The court oversees eviction filings (also known as "unlawful detainer" actions), security deposit disputes, and other rental disagreements. Find your county’s General Sessions Court.

Relevant Forms for Tennessee Renters

• Notice of Rent Increase (Official form not required by the state, but landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice to terminate or amend a month-to-month lease.)
  • When to use: If you receive a rent increase, confirm that the notice is in writing and delivered according to your lease or state law.
  • Practical example: If your landlord emails you a rent increase for next month, check if that counts as written notice according to URLTA and your lease terms.
• Detainer Warrant (Eviction Complaint)
  • Form Name: Detainer Warrant
  • When used: Filed by a landlord in General Sessions Court to start the eviction (unlawful detainer) process.
  • Detainer Warrant (sample)
• Answer to Detainer Warrant
  • When used: If you receive a Detainer Warrant, you will have a court date where you can present your defense (no specific required answer form, but you should prepare written evidence and arguments).

FAQ: Tennessee Rent Control and Your Rights

1. Can my landlord raise the rent by any amount in Tennessee?
   Yes, unless your lease specifies limits, landlords can raise rent by any amount with at least 30 days’ written notice for month-to-month tenancies.
2. Is there any rent control in Tennessee?
   No, Tennessee law prohibits local rent control or stabilization ordinances for privately owned rentals.
3. What should I do if I receive a sudden rent hike?
   First, check your lease and confirm the notice period. If you believe the increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, you may contact legal aid or file a complaint in General Sessions Court.
4. How do I dispute a rent increase I think is unfair?
   While there’s no cap on increases, you can challenge increases that appear to be for illegal or retaliatory reasons through the courts or by consulting a lawyer.
5. Who handles landlord-tenant disputes in Tennessee?
   Most disputes are handled in the county’s General Sessions Court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Tennessee

• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Consumer Affairs: Information on tenant rights and housing complaints.
• General Sessions Court Directory: Find your local court for landlord-tenant cases.
• Tennessee Renter Rights Overview: State guide to tenant protections and landlord responsibilities.
• Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA): Full law text.
• Local legal aid: Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands

---

1. [1] Tennessee Renter Rights Overview – TN Department of Commerce & Insurance
2. [2] Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, § 66-35-102
3. [3] Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, § 66-28-402

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