General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- Local governments in Tennessee may not enact or enforce any rule that controls the rent charged for private residential or commercial property.
- There is no statewide limit on rent increases.
- No statute sets a separate rent increase notice; during a fixed term the lease controls, and a month to month tenancy in a covered county can be changed after 30 days of written notice ending the current terms.
Tennessee does not allow rent control. State law bars local governments from controlling the rent charged for private residential or commercial property.
Tennessee rent control at a glance
| Rule | Tennessee | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | Local governments in Tennessee may not enact or enforce any rule that controls the rent charged for private residential or commercial property. | Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102 |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide limit on rent increases. | Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102 |
| Notice before a rent increase | No statute sets a separate rent increase notice; during a fixed term the lease controls, and a month to month tenancy in a covered county can be changed after 30 days of written notice ending the current terms. | Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and lease terms |
Does Tennessee have rent control?
Rent control status. Local governments in Tennessee may not enact or enforce any rule that controls the rent charged for private residential or commercial property. (Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102)
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide limit on rent increases. (Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102)
City and county rules
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Notice before an increase
Notice before a rent increase. No statute sets a separate rent increase notice; during a fixed term the lease controls, and a month to month tenancy in a covered county can be changed after 30 days of written notice ending the current terms. (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and lease terms)
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Tennessee rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Tennessee attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102
- Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and lease terms
Official sources
Tennessee forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
Does Tennessee have rent control?
Local governments in Tennessee may not enact or enforce any rule that controls the rent charged for private residential or commercial property. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102.
How much can rent go up in a year in Tennessee?
There is no statewide limit on rent increases. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102.