Updated May 25, 2023
A Tennessee lease agreement is a written contract between a landlord and a tenant willing to make monthly payments for the renting of property. The landlord will usually require the tenant’s personal information and consent to run a credit check prior to signing a lease. Once signed, the document is legally binding to both parties.
Table of Contents |
Agreement Types (8)
 Standard Residential Lease Agreement – For a residence with a specified start and end date for the term.
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 Association of Realtors – For standard tenancies in a single-family dwelling.
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 Commercial Lease Agreement – For business or professional use, mostly as an office, retail, or industrial related.
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 Farm Lease Agreement – For a structure and/or land used for the growing and nurturing of crops.
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 Month-to-Month Lease Agreement (§ 66-28-512) – Known also as a tenancy at will that allows the landlord or tenant to cancel the arrangement with at least 30 days’ notice.
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 Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement – Residential contract that allows a landlord-tenant arrangement with the added choice of the tenant being able to buy the property.
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 Room Rental (Roommate) Agreement – When the individuals living in the same home agree to the cleaning of common areas and expenses, fees, and utilities to be paid in relation to the residence.
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 Sublease Agreement – The act of a tenant electing someone else to use residential space they have under agreement with the landlord/manager. If required, the landlord will have to grant their consent before authorizing.
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Required Disclosures (3)
Agent/Landlord Identification (§ 66-28-302) – The landlord or agent allowed onto the premises must be recognized in the lease agreement. In addition, an official address for legal notices must also be in the rental contract.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – If the residence was constructed before 1978, the landlord must complete it, and both parties must sign.
Showings (§ 66-28-403) – If the landlord would like to show to prospective tenants the property before the tenant’s agreement is due, it must be stated that the landlord has this right with the last thirty (30) days before the termination date. The landlord must grant at least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice per occasion.
Security Deposits
Maximum Amount – There is no maximum limit.
Returning (§ 66-28-301) – Funds must be delivered to the tenant within thirty (60) days after they have vacated the premises.
When is Rent Due? (Grace Period)
There is a five (5) day grace period, beginning when the rent is due, to allow the tenant to pay rent. during the grace period, the landlord cannot charge a late fee or start eviction proceedings (§ 66-28-201(d)).
If the tenant’s rent remains unpaid after the grace period, the landlord has the legal right to send a 14-day notice to quit.
Late Rent
Maximum Penalty (§ 66-28-201(d)) – 10% of the monthly rent amount is the maximum allowable late fee.
NSF Fee (§ 47-29-102) – $30 is the maximum allowable charge for a bounced check.
Access
No law states the landlord must notify the tenant of maintenance or repair-related issues. Although, if it is in the last thirty (30) days of the rental contract and the landlord would like to show the space to a prospective tenant the landlord must provide at least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice (§ 66-28-403).
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Resources
- Title 66, Chapter 29 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Tennessee Code.
- Your Rights as a Tenant Under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Provided by the Legal Aid of Tennessee.
- If You Rent a Place, Know Your Legal Rights and Duties – Provided by the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee.
- Landlord and Tenant Act (Consumer Information) – Provided by the Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division.