Download Tennessee Eviction Notice Templates [PDF]

In Tennessee, an eviction notice is a legal document used by landlords to inform tenants of the need to vacate a rental property. Serving this notice is an important step in the eviction process and must be completed in accordance with state law.

Eviction notices tell tenants that they have breached their lease and that the landlord will take legal action to regain the property.

To guarantee they are following the correct legal processes to retake control of their home, landlords must first create an eviction notice as the first step in the legal eviction process.

Types of Eviction Notices in Tennessee

Eviction notice requirements and procedures vary by state. In Tennessee, some common types of eviction notices are as follows:

Non-Payment of Rent

A landlord can terminate a tenancy with a 14-day notice for non-payment of rent. (Section 66-28-505(a)(2))

Breach of Lease

Landlords can end a lease with written notice of at least 14 days if the tenant damages property, commits violence, or poses a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of others. (Section 66-7-109)

Non-Compliance

To evict a residential tenant for any other lease agreement default, the landlord must provide a 30-day termination notice starting from the date of the notice. (Section 66-7-109(b))

Criminal Activity

Allows for the termination of a tenant's tenancy with a 3-day notice period if the premises or the surrounding area are knowingly used for criminal activity. (Section 66-28-517)

Week-to-Week

In the case of a week-to-week tenancy, either the landlord or the tenant can end the lease at any time with ten days' written notice to the other party. (Section 66-28-512)

Month-to-Month

For a month-to-month tenancy, either the landlord or tenant can terminate the tenancy by giving a written notice to the other party at least 30 days before the periodic rental date specified in the notice. (Section 66-28-512)

Eviction Laws and Requirements in Tennessee

When is Rent Late in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, the due date for rent is typically set in the lease agreement between the landlord and tenant. If a specific day of the month, such as the 1st, is specified as the due date for rent in the lease agreement, then the rent is considered late if the tenant does not pay it in full by that due date.

Grounds for Eviction in Tennessee

In Tennessee, a landlord may seek to evict a tenant for several reasons, including:

Eviction Process in Tennessee

Eviction in Tennessee involves four steps, which depend on how the tenants have violated it.

#1. Written Notice to Vacate

First, the landlord provides the tenant with a written notice to vacate, which varies in length from 14 to 30 days depending on the situation (14 days for breach of rental agreement, 30 days for lease non-renewal, and three days for serious violations)

#2. Detainer Warrant

The second step involves the landlord filing a detainer warrant in court if the tenant does not comply with the notice.

#3. Court Date

The third step is the court hearing, where both parties present their arguments, and the judge decides whether the tenant must move out. 

#4. Writ of Possession

The fourth step involves the landlord obtaining a writ of possession if the tenant does not move within ten days after a judge's order, which leads to the sheriff overseeing the tenant's removal from the property.

Other Eviction-Related Forms in Tennessee

In addition to the eviction notice, there are other forms utilized within the eviction process by the parties, such as:

Eviction Information for Landlords in Tennessee

When a landlord wishes to terminate a tenancy, whether due to a violation of the lease agreement or other reasons, it is important to follow the proper legal procedures. 

Note that physical eviction of the tenant is not an acceptable solution.

Instead, the landlord must issue an eviction notice to inform the tenant of the termination and provide a specific time frame for vacating the premises. In the event that the tenant refuses to leave, the landlord has to initiate court proceedings.

It is essential to comply with all legal requirements and adhere to the correct procedures to avoid potential legal consequences.

Eviction Information for Tenants in Tennessee

Tenants have the legal right to be given notice and a hearing before being evicted, at which they can present their case. However, tenants can appeal a decision within ten days after a judge's order if they post one year's worth of rent as a bond with the appeal.

Tenants with an oral lease are in a different position than those with a written lease. If the tenant has a lease, the landlord can only evict them when the lease ends, but they still have to take the tenant to court. 

In cases where the tenant doesn't have a lease, the landlord can evict them whenever they want, but they must give them the right amount of notice before going to court for eviction.

How to Write an Eviction Notice in Tennessee

Tennessee Eviction Notice FAQ