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.
Last reviewed
The short version
- There is no statewide limit on rent increases.
- In covered counties a landlord may not raise rent, cut services or bring or threaten an eviction because a tenant complained or used the Act's remedies, unless the tenant is behind on rent or caused the problem.
- 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 has no statute that sets a special rent increase notice. The lease controls during a fixed term, and a month to month tenancy in a covered county can be changed with 30 days of written notice.
Tennessee rent increase notice at a glance
| Rule | Tennessee | Law |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide limit on rent increases. | Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102 |
| Retaliation protection | In covered counties a landlord may not raise rent, cut services or bring or threaten an eviction because a tenant complained or used the Act's remedies, unless the tenant is behind on rent or caused the problem. | Tenn. Code Ann. 66-28-514 |
How much notice to give
Give the notice in writing, keep a copy and record how and when it was delivered.
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)
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually stays as written until the term ends unless the lease itself allows an increase. Plan increases for the renewal.
Caps that limit the increase
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide limit on rent increases. (Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102)
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)
Timing and retaliation
Retaliation protection. In covered counties a landlord may not raise rent, cut services or bring or threaten an eviction because a tenant complained or used the Act's remedies, unless the tenant is behind on rent or caused the problem. (Tenn. Code Ann. 66-28-514)
Mistakes to avoid
- Raising rent during a fixed term without a clause that allows it.
- Sending the notice by text or email when the lease or the law calls for written delivery another way.
- Increasing rent right after a repair request or complaint.
- Not keeping proof of when the notice was delivered.
Keep the Tennessee rent increase notice summary on file
Free, no sign up. The file downloads straight away.
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
- Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and lease terms
- Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102
- Tenn. Code Ann. 66-28-514
Official sources
Tennessee forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
- Notice of Rent Increase · PDF or Word
- Rent Increase Letter · PDF or Word
- Lease Renewal Letter · PDF or Word
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
How much notice is needed to raise rent in Tennessee?
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. Source: Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and lease terms.
Is there a cap on rent increases in Tennessee?
There is no statewide limit on rent increases. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. 66-35-102.
Can a rent increase count as retaliation in Tennessee?
In covered counties a landlord may not raise rent, cut services or bring or threaten an eviction because a tenant complained or used the Act's remedies, unless the tenant is behind on rent or caused the problem. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. 66-28-514.