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The following excerpts and compilation from state law may not reflect some recent amendments.
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Tennessee Landlord Tenant Law
29-18-101. Unlawful entry prohibited.
29-18-102. Forcible entry and detainer defined - Where action does not lie.
29-18-103. Forcible detainer defined.
29-18-104. Unlawful detainer defined.
29-18-105. Scope of definitions.
29-18-107. Jurisdiction of general sessions judge.
29-18-108. Original jurisdiction of circuit court.
29-18-109. Limitation of actions.
29-18-110. Death of parties.
29-18-111. Plaintiff's bond.
29-18-112. Form of warrant.
29-18-113. Notice to quit not required.
29-18-114. Defects in proceedings.
29-18-115. Method of serving summons.
29-18-116. Neglect to execute process.
29-18-117. Time of trial.
29-18-118. Postponement of trial.
29-18-119. Manner of trial - Title not inquired into.
29-18-121. Subpoenas.
29-18-122. Fees.
29-18-123. Bond to confess judgment at termination of lease - Judgment and writ.
29-18-124. Form of judgment for plaintiff.
29-18-125. Monetary judgments for plaintiff.
29-18-126. Delay before execution.
29-18-127. Form of execution and writ.
29-18-128. Appeal.
29-18-129. Certiorari and supersedeas to circuit court.
29-18-130. Immediate execution of writ of possession - Bond pending appeal.
29-18-131. Monetary judgment in circuit court.
29-18-133. Penalty for resuming possession.
29-18-134. Trespass action.
66-28-105. Jurisdiction and service of process.
66-28-301. Security deposits.
66-28-501. Noncompliance with rental agreement by landlord.
66-28-503. Fire or casualty damage.
66-28-505. Noncompliance by tenant - Failure to pay rent.
66-28-506. Failure of tenant to maintain dwelling.
66-28-509. Landlord liens
66-28-512. Termination of periodic tenancy - Holdover remedies.
66-28-517. Termination for violence, health, safety, or welfare of persons or property.
66-35-101. "Local governmental unit" defined.
66-35-102. Rent control by local governments prohibited.
66-35-103. Management of government-owned property excepted.
TITLE 29 REMEDIES AND SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
CHAPTER 18 FORCIBLE ENTRY AND DETAINER
29-18-101. Unlawful entry prohibited.
No person shall enter upon any lands, tenements, or other possessions, and detain or hold the same, but where entry is given by law, and then only in a peaceable manner.
[Code 1858, 3341 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 1); Shan., 5090; Code 1932, 9244; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1601.]
29-18-102. Forcible entry and detainer defined - Where action does not lie.
(a) A forcible entry and detainer is where a person, by force or with weapons, or by breaking open the doors, windows, or other parts of the house, whether any person be in it or not, or by any kind of violence whatsoever, enters upon land, tenement, or possession, in the occupation of another, and detains and holds the same; or by threatening to kill, maim, or beat the party in possession; or by such words, circumstances, or actions, as have a natural tendency to excite fear or apprehension of danger; or by putting out of doors or carrying away the goods of the party in possession; or by entering peaceably and then turning or keeping the party out of possession by force or threat or other circumstances of terror.
(b) No action for forcible entry and detainer shall lie against any tenant who has paid all rent due for their current occupancy of the premises and who are not in violation of any law nor otherwise in breach of their written lease, but this subsection shall not apply in any manner to farm property, nor shall the provisions of this subsection be construed to alter or amend any valid lease agreement in effect on May 31, 1979.
[Code 1858, 3342 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 2); Shan., 5091; Code 1932, 9245; Acts 1979, ch. 421, 1-3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1602.]
29-18-103. Forcible detainer defined.
A forcible detainer is where a person enters lawfully or peaceably, and holds unlawfully, and by any of the means enumerated in 29-18-102 as constituting a forcible entry.
[Code 1858, 3343 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 3); Shan., 5092; Code 1932, 9246; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1603.]
29-18-104. Unlawful detainer defined.
Unlawful detainer is where the defendant enters by contract, either as tenant or as assignee of a tenant, or as personal representative of a tenant, or as subtenant, or by collusion with a tenant, and, in either case, willfully and without force, holds over the possession from the landlord, or the assignee of the remainder or reversion.
[Code 1858, 3344 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 5); Shan., 5093; Code 1932, 9247; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1604.]
29-18-105. Scope of definitions.
Sections 29-18-101 - 29-18-104 extend to and comprehend terms for years, and all estates, whether freehold or less than freehold.
[Code 1858, 3345 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 4); Shan., 5094; Code 1932, 9248; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1605.]
29-18-106. Alternative actions.
Where the action is to recover real property, ejectment, or forcible or unlawful entry or detainer may be brought.
[Code 1858, 2750; Shan., 4441; Code 1932, 8567; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1606.]
29-18-107. Jurisdiction of general sessions judge.
All cases of forcible entry and detainer, forcible detainer, and unlawful detainer, may be tried before any one (1) judge of the court of general sessions of the county in which the acts are committed, who shall decide the particular case, and all questions of law and fact arising.
[Code 1858, 3346 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 1); Acts 1879, ch. 23; Shan., 5095; Code 1932, 9249; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1607.]
29-18-108. Original jurisdiction of circuit court.
The action for the recovery of the possession of land, given in this chapter, may also be originally instituted in the circuit court, the same forms being substantially pursued as those prescribed, the process being issued by the clerk, the plaintiff first giving bond and security to answer costs and damages as provided in 29-18-111.
[Code 1858, 3366 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 8); Shan., 5115; Code 1932, 9270; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1608.]
29-18-109. Limitation of actions.
The uninterrupted occupation or quiet possession of the premises in controversy by the defendant, for the space of three (3) entire years together, immediately preceding the commencement of the action, is, if the estate of the defendant has not determined within that time, a bar to any proceeding under this chapter.
[Code 1858, 3347 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 20); Shan., 5096; Code 1932, 9250; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1609.]
29-18-110. Death of parties.
(a) The heir or representative of the person who might have been plaintiff, if alive, may bring the suit after his death.
(b) If either party die during the pendency of the suit, it may be revived by or against the heirs or legal representatives of the decedent, in the same manner and to the same extent as real actions.
[Code 1858, 3368, 3369 (deriv. Acts 1849-1850, ch. 113, 1); Shan., 5118, 5119; Code 1932, 9273, 9274; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1610.]
29-18-111. Plaintiff's bond.
The party complaining is required, before the issuance of the writ, to give bond, with good security, to pay all costs and damages which shall accrue to the defendant for the wrongful prosecution of the suit.
[Code 1858, 3348 (deriv. Acts 1822, ch. 35, 1); Shan., 5097; Code 1932, 9251; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1611.]
29-18-112. Form of warrant.
The warrant may be issued by a single general sessions judge in the following form:
State of Tennessee, To the sheriff or any constable of such county:
__________ County.
Whereas, complaint is made to me by A B, of a certain forcible and unlawful entry and detainer, made by C D, into and of a certain tract or lot of land, situated in the county aforementioned, and bounded [or known and described] as follows [insert boundaries and description], which land A B alleges he is entitled to the possession of, and C D unlawfully detains from him: We therefore command you to summon C D to appear before some judge of the court of general sessions, in and for such county, to answer the above complaint.
This ________ day of ________, 19_. E F, G.S.J.
[Code 1858, 3349 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 1); impl. am. Acts 1879, ch. 23, 1; Shan., 5098; Code 1932, 9252; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1612.]
29-18-113. Notice to quit not required.
No notice to quit need be given by the plaintiff to the defendant, other than the service of this warrant.
[Code 1858, 3351 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 2); Shan., 5100; Code 1932, 9254; T.C.A. (orig.
ed.), 23-1613.]
29-18-114. Defects in proceedings.
The warrant need not set forth the particular species of entry or detainer, and any defect therein, or in any of the proceedings, may be amended as other process and pleadings in court.
[Code 1858, 3350 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 5); Shan., 5099; Code 1932, 9253; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1614.]
29-18-115. Method of serving summons.
(a) In commencing an action under the provisions of this chapter, summons may be served upon any adult person found in possession of the premises; and service of process upon such party in possession shall be good and sufficient to enable the landlord to regain possession of such landlord's property. In the event the summons cannot be served upon any adult person found in possession of the premises, personal service of process on the defendant is dispensed with in the following cases:
(1) When the defendant is a nonresident of this state;
(2) When, upon inquiry at the defendant's usual place of abode, the defendant cannot be found, so as to be served with process, and there is just ground to believe that the defendant has gone beyond the limits of the state;
(3) When the summons has been returned "not to be found in my county";
(4) When the name of the defendant is unknown and cannot be ascertained upon diligent inquiry;
(5) When the residence of the defendant is unknown and cannot be ascertained upon diligent inquiry; or
(6) When a domestic corporation has ceased to do business and has no known officers, directors, trustee, or other legal representatives, on whom personal service may be had.
In those cases where personal service of process on the defendant is dispensed with, the proceeding shall be governed by 21-1-203 - 21-1-205, and in addition thereto, the plaintiff shall post or cause to be posted on the front door or other front portion of the premises a copy of the publication notice at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date specified therein for the defendant to appear and make a defense.
(b) In commencing an action under the provisions of this chapter, service of process may be made by the plaintiff, the plaintiff's attorney, or the plaintiff's agent, in lieu of subsection (a), by lodging the original summons and a copy certified by the clerk with the sheriff of the county in which suit is brought, who shall promptly send postage prepaid a certified copy by certified return receipt mail to the individual as follows:
(1) In the case of an individual defendant, to the party named;
(2) In the case of a domestic corporation or a foreign corporation doing business in this state, to an officer or managing agent thereof, or to the chief agent in the county where the action is brought or to any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service on behalf of the corporation; or
(3) In the case of a partnership or an unincorporated association which is a named defendant under a common name, to a partner or managing agent of the partnership or to an officer or managing agent of the association, or to an agent authorized by appointment or by law to receive service on behalf of the partnership or association.
(c) In any case in which such warrant or process is returned undelivered for any reason whatsoever, service of process shall then be made as otherwise provided by law.
(d) (1) The original process, endorsed as indicated below, an affidavit of the appropriate sheriff setting forth the sheriff's compliance with the requirements of the preceding provisions, and the return receipt signed by the defendant shall be attached together and sent to and filed by the clerk of the court of general sessions. There shall be endorsed on the original warrant by the sheriff over the sheriff's signature the date of the sheriff's mailing the certified copy to the defendant; thereupon service of the defendant shall be consummated. An act of a deputy of the sheriff in the sheriff's behalf, hereunder shall be deemed the equivalent of the act of the latter.
(2) When service of process by mail is made upon one or more individual defendants, service of process shall not be complete as to any individual unless a return receipt, signed or acknowledged on its face by the individual personally, is returned to the deputy sheriff.
(e) (1) In addition to the methods set out in this section, service of process for an action commenced under this chapter shall be good and sufficient to enable the landlord to regain possession of such landlord's property if the sheriff of the county in which the action is brought, or such sheriff's deputy, personally serves a copy of the warrant or summons upon any named defendant who has a contractual or possessory property right in the subject premises.
(2) If the sheriff is unable to serve any such named defendant personally, or if after three (3) attempts of personal service of process during a ten-day period with such attempts being documented on the face of the warrant, no such person is found in possession of the premises, service of process for determining the right of possession of the subject premises as to all who may have a contractual or possessory property right therein may be had by the sheriff of the county, or such sheriff's deputy, taking the following actions at least ten (10) days prior to the date specified therein for the defendant(s) to appear and make a defense:
(A) Posting a copy of the warrant or summons on the door of the premises;
(B) Sending by United States postal service first class mail with certificate of mailing a copy of the warrant or summons to the so named defendant(s) at the last known address, if any; and
(C) Making an entry of this action on the face of the warrant or summons filed in the case.
The method of service of process provided for in this subdivision shall be used only after the defendant who has a contractual or possessory property right in the subject premises is more than ten (10) days past due on rental installment payments or has held over after expiration of proper notice of termination of tenancy for more than ten (10) days. The provisions of this subdivision shall apply only to the service of process in an action brought to regain possession of real property, and shall not apply to the service of process in any action seeking monetary judgment.
[Acts 1869-1870, ch. 64, 6; Shan., 5127; Code 1932, 9282; Acts 1945, ch. 79, 1; C. Supp. 1950, 9282; Acts 1979, ch. 420, 1; 1980, ch. 798, 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1615; 1997, ch. 380, 1.]
29-18-116. Neglect to execute process.
Any officer neglecting or refusing to execute any process, under this chapter, shall forfeit two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) to the party aggrieved, to be recovered with costs before any tribunal having jurisdiction thereof.
[Code 1858, 3373; Shan., 5123; Code 1932, 9278; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1616.]
29-18-117. Time of trial.
The officer serving the warrant shall notify the defendant of the time and place of trial, the time not to be less than six (6) days from the date of service.
[Code 1858, 3352 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 2); Shan., 5101; Code 1932, 9255; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1617.]
29-18-118. Postponement of trial.
The general sessions judge may, at the request of either party, and on good reason being assigned, postpone the trial to any time not exceeding fifteen (15) days, the party making the application paying the cost.
[Code 1858, 3355 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 15); impl. am. Acts 1879, ch. 23, 1; Shan., 5104; Code 1932, 9258; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1618.]
29-18-119. Manner of trial - Title not inquired into.
(a) The cause shall be tried at the time and place designated, by a single general sessions judge, without the intervention of a jury, and in all respects like other civil suits before the court of general sessions.
(b) The general sessions judge will try every case upon its merits and ascertain whether the plaintiff or defendant is entitled to the possession of the premises agreeably to the laws governing such cases, and give judgment accordingly.
(c) The estate, or merits of the title, shall not be inquired into.
[Code 1858, 3353, 3354; (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 20 and Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 1, 2); impl. am. Acts 1879, ch. 23, 1; Shan., 5102, 5103; Code 1932, 9256, 9257; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1619, 23-1620; Acts 1991, ch. 273, 40.]
29-18-120. Trial in circuit court.
(a) Actions originally instituted in the circuit court will stand for trial at the first term after the pleadings are complete.
(b) The jury, if they find for the plaintiff, will ascertain the damages he has sustained, including rent, and judgment shall be given accordingly.
[Code 1858, 3367 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 8, 9); Shan., 5116; Code 1932, 9271; modified; Acts 1972, ch. 565, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1621.]
29-18-121. Subpoenas.
The general sessions judge before whom the complaint is made, or the one before whom the cause is to be tried, may issue subpoenas for witnesses into any county of the state.
[Code 1858, 3356; impl. am. Acts 1879, ch. 23, 1; Shan., 5105; Code 1932, 9259; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1622.]
29-18-122. Fees.
(a) The general sessions judge is entitled to one dollar ($1.00) per day for trying cases of forcible entry and detainer, forcible detainer, or unlawful detainer.
(b) The officer is entitled to two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) for each defendant named in the original process, and one dollar ($1.00) for each witness summoned.
(c) Each witness shall receive one dollar ($1.00) for each day's attendance.
[Code 1858, 3365 (deriv. Acts 1849-1850, ch. 131, 1); impl. am. Acts 1879, ch. 23, 1; Shan., 5114; mod. Code 1932, 9269; Acts 1957, ch. 22, 6; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1623.]
29-18-123. Bond to confess judgment at termination of lease - Judgment and writ.
(a) Any person, granting a lease of lands, tenements, and hereditaments, may incorporate or take from the tenant a bond covenanting to deliver possession of the rented premises on the day specified therein as the end of the term of the lease, and further authorizing the party from whom the premises are rented, or any other person whose name may be mentioned as attorney, in case possession of the premises is not delivered in conformity with the provisions of the lease, to appear on any day of the term of any court having jurisdiction in such case, the term of such court to be expressly named, and the premises to be sufficiently described in the bond, and then and there, in the name of the party executing the bond, confess a judgment for possession of the rented premises.
(b) Upon presentation of the bond, and satisfactory proof of its execution, the court shall enter judgment for possession and also for costs of the proceeding, in favor of the party granting the lease against the tenant thus unlawfully holding over.
(c) The writ of possession shall have effect to dispossess any party in possession who holds as assignee or sublessee of the original tenant.
[Acts 1869-1870, ch. 64, 3-5; Shan., 5124-5126; mod. Code 1932, 9279-9281; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1624, 23-1625.]
29-18-124. Form of judgment for plaintiff.
The judgment for the plaintiff should be endorsed on the warrant or annexed thereto, substantially to the following effect:
A B Judgment for the plaintiff, that he be restored to possession of the v. land described in the within warrant, and that a writ of possession C D or restitution issue therefor, and also for the costs of suit.
This __________ day of __________, 19________. E F, G.S.J.
[Code 1858, 3357 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 3); impl. am. Acts 1879, ch. 23, 1; Shan., 5106; Code 1932, 9260; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1626.]
29-18-125. Monetary judgments for plaintiff.
In all cases of forcible entry and detainer, forcible detainer, and unlawful detainer, the judge of the court of general sessions trying the cause shall be authorized and it shall be his duty, if his judgment shall be that the plaintiff recover the possession, to ascertain the arrearage of rent, and interest, and damages, if any, and render judgment therefor.
[Acts 1903, ch. 42, 1; Shan., 5106a1; Code 1932, 9261; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1627.]
29-18-126. Delay before execution.
No execution or writ of possession shall issue against the defendant upon any judgment, under the
provisions of this chapter, until after the lapse of ten (10) days from the rendition of the judgment.
[Code 1858, 3361 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 4, 6; 1849-1850, ch. 131, 3); Shan., 5109; Code 1932, 9264; Acts 1963, ch. 115, 1; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1628.]
29-18-127. Form of execution and writ.
The execution for costs shall issue in the usual form, and the writ of possession may be as follows:
State of Tennessee, To the sheriff or any constable of such county:
__________ County.
Whereas, at a trial of forcible and unlawful detainer had in such county on the ________ day of ________, 19____, before E F, a judge of the court of general sessions of such county, judgment was given that A B recover from C D possession of a certain tract or parcel of land, bounded [or known and described] as follows [insert the description in the warrant]: We therefore command you, that you take with you the force of the county, if necessary, and cause A B, the plaintiff in such judgment, to have and be restored to the possession of such tract or parcel of land, and that you remove C D, the defendant in such judgment, therefrom, and give such plaintiff peaceable possession of such premises, and make return to me in twenty days how you have executed this writ. This ________ day of ________, 19____. E F, G.S.J.
[Code 1858, 3359 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 4); impl. am. Acts 1879, ch. 23, 1; Shan., 5107; mod. Code 1932, 9262; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1629.]
29-18-128. Appeal.
An appeal will also lie in suits commenced before general sessions judges, under the provisions of this chapter, within the ten (10) days allowed by 27-5-108, as in other cases, the appellant, if the defendant, giving bond as in the case of a certiorari.
[Code 1858, 3360 (deriv. Acts 1849-1850, ch. 74, 1); Shan., 5108; Code 1932, 9263; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1630; Acts 1989, ch. 20, 1.]
29-18-129. Certiorari and supersedeas to circuit court.
The proceedings in such actions may, within thirty (30) days after the rendition of judgment, be removed to the circuit court by writs of certiorari and supersedeas, which it shall be the duty of the judge to grant, upon petition, if merits are sufficiently set forth, and to require from the applicant a bond, with security sufficient to cover all costs and damages; and, if the defendant below be the applicant, then the bond and security shall be of sufficient amount to cover, besides costs and damages, the value of the rent of the premises during the litigation.
[Acts 1869-1870, ch. 64, 2; Shan., 5111; Code 1932, 9266; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1631.]
29-18-130. Immediate execution of writ of possession - Bond pending appeal.
(a) When judgment is rendered in favor of the plaintiff, in any action of forcible entry and detainer, forcible detainer, or unlawful detainer, brought before a judge of the court of general sessions, and a writ of possession is awarded, the same shall be executed and the plaintiff restored to the possession immediately.
(b) (1) If the defendant pray an appeal, then, in that case, the plaintiff shall execute bond, with good and sufficient security, in double the value of one (1) year's rent of the premises, conditioned to pay all costs and damages accruing from the wrongful enforcement of such writ, and to abide by and perform whatever judgment may be rendered by the appellate court in the final hearing of the cause.
(2) In cases where the action has been brought by a landlord to recover possession of leased premises from a tenant on the grounds that the tenant has breached the contract by failing to pay the rent, and a judgment has been entered against the tenant, the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section shall not apply. In that case, if the defendant prays an appeal, the defendant shall execute bond, or post either a cash deposit or irrevocable letter of credit from a regulated financial institution, or provide two (2) good personal sureties with good and sufficient security in the amount of one (1) year's rent of the premises, conditioned to pay all costs and damages accruing from the failure of the appeal, including rent and interest on the judgment as provided for herein, and to abide by and perform whatever judgment may be rendered by the appellate court in the final hearing of the cause. The plaintiff shall not be required to post a bond to obtain possession in the event the defendant appeals without complying with this section. The plaintiff shall be entitled to interest on the judgment, which shall accrue from the date of the judgment in the event the defendant's appeal shall fail.
[Acts 1869-1870, ch. 64, 1; 1871, ch. 65; impl. am. 1879, ch. 23, 1; Shan., 5110; mod. Code 1932, 9265; impl. am. Acts 1979, ch. 68, 3; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1632; Acts 1983, ch. 232, 1.]
29-18-131. Monetary judgment in circuit court.
(a) If the defendant obtain certiorari, and, upon trial in the circuit court, the jury find that the plaintiff is entitled to the possession of the land, they shall also ascertain the value of the rents during the time the plaintiff has been kept out of possession, and such other damages as the plaintiff is entitled to, and the court shall give judgment against the defendant and his sureties for the amount.
(b) Should the cause be taken to the circuit court by the plaintiff, and a verdict be found in his favor, the jury shall, in like manner, ascertain the value of the rents, and the damages they may consider the plaintiff entitled to, and return the amount in their verdict, upon which the court shall give judgment accordingly.
[Code 1858, 3363, 3364 (deriv. Acts 1841-1842, ch. 186, 6); Shan., 5112, 5113; Code 1932, 9267, 9268; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1633.]
29-18-132. [Repealed.]
29-18-133. Penalty for resuming possession.
(a) A person, once dispossessed by action, who again illegally possesses the premises, commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) The only evidence, required or admitted on the trial of the criminal charge, is that the defendant was turned out of possession by action brought for the purpose, and that the defendant has again taken possession of the premises.
[Code 1858, 3370, 3371 (deriv. Acts 1825, ch. 63, 3); Shan., 5120, 5121; Code 1932, 9275, 9276; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1635; Acts 1989, ch. 591, 113.]
29-18-134. Trespass action.
The judgment in a case of forcible entry and detainer shall be no bar to an action against the defendant for trespass.
[Code 1858, 3372 (deriv. Acts 1821, ch. 14, 19); Shan., 5122; Code 1932, 9277; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), 23-1636.]
66-28-105. Jurisdiction and service of process.
(a) The general sessions and circuit courts of this state shall exercise original jurisdiction over any landlord or tenant with respect to any conduct in this state governed by this chapter. In addition to any other method provided by rule or by statute, personal jurisdiction over the parties may be acquired in a civil action or proceeding instituted in law or equity by service of process in the manner provided by law.
(b) A landlord who is not a resident of this state or is a corporation not authorized to do business in this state and engages in a transaction subject to this chapter may designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. The agent shall be a resident of this state or a corporation authorized to do business in this state. The designation shall be in writing, filed with the secretary of state, and must set forth the name and street address (including zip code) of the agent, the name and street address (including zip code) of the landlord and be accompanied by a ten dollar ($10.00) filing fee. If no designation is made and filed or if process cannot be served in this state upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the secretary of state forthwith by mailing a copy of the process and pleading by registered or certified mail to the defendant or respondent at that party's last known address. Such process must be accompanied by a ten dollar ($10.00) fee and specify the address of the defendant. An affidavit of service shall be filed by the secretary of state with the clerk of the court on or before the return day of the process.
[Acts 1975, ch. 245, 1.203; T.C.A., 64-2805; Acts 1991, ch. 297, 1.]
66-28-501. Noncompliance with rental agreement by landlord.
(a) Except as provided in this chapter, the tenant may recover damages, obtain injunctive relief and recover reasonable attorney's fees for any noncompliance by the landlord with the rental agreement or any section ofthis chapter upon giving fourteen (14) days' written notice.
(b) If the rental agreement is terminated for noncompliance after sufficient notice, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security deposits recoverable by the tenant under 66-28-301.
66-28-503. Fire or casualty damage.
(a) If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty to an extent that the use of the dwelling unit is substantially impaired, the tenant:
(1) May immediately vacate the premises; and
(2) Shall notify the landlord in writing within fourteen (14) days thereafter of the tenant's intention to terminate the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates as of the date of vacating.
(b) If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security deposits recoverable under 66-28-301. Accounting for rent in the event of termination or apportionment is to occur as of the date of the casualty.
[Acts 1975, ch. 245, 4.103; T.C.A., 64-2843.]
66-28-505. Noncompliance by tenant - Failure to pay rent.
(a) Except as provided in this chapter, if there is a material noncompliance by the tenant with the rental agreement or a noncompliance with 66-28-401 materially affecting health and safety, the landlord may deliver a written notice to the tenant specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach, and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice. If the breach is not remedied in fourteen (14) days, the rental agreement shall terminate as provided in the notice, subject to the following. If the breach is remediable by repairs or the payment of damages or otherwise and the tenant adequately remedies the breach prior to the date specified in the notice, the rental agreement will not terminate. If substantially the same act or omission which constituted a prior noncompliance of which notice was given recurs within six (6) months, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement upon at least fourteen (14) days' written notice specifying the breach and the date of termination of the rental agreement.
(b) If rent is unpaid when due and the tenant fails to pay, written notice by the landlord of nonpayment is required unless otherwise specifically waived in a written rental agreement. The rental agreement is enforceable for collection of rent for the remaining term of the rental agreement.
(c) Except as provided in this chapter, the landlord may recover damages and obtain injunctive relief for any noncompliance by the tenant with the rental agreement or 66-28-401. The landlord may recover reasonable attorney's fees for breach of contract and nonpayment of rent as provided in the rental agreement.
(d) The landlord may recover punitive damages for willful destruction of property.
[Acts 1975, ch. 245, 4.201; T.C.A., 64-2845.]
66-28-506. Failure of tenant to maintain dwelling.
If there is noncompliance by the tenant with 66-28-401 materially affecting health and safety that can be remedied by repair, replacement of a damaged item or cleaning, and the tenant fails to comply as promptly as conditions require in case of emergency or within fourteen (14) days after written notice by the landlord specifying the breach and requesting that the tenant remedy it within that period of time, the landlord may enter the dwelling unit and cause the work to be done in a workmanlike manner and submit an itemized bill for the actual and reasonable cost or the fair and reasonable value thereof as rent on the next date when periodic rent is due, or if the rental agreement has terminated, for immediate payment.
[Acts 1975, ch. 245, 4.202; T.C.A., 64-2846.]
66-28-509. Landlord liens
A contracted lien or security interest on behalf of the landlord in the tenant's household goods shall not be enforceable unless perfected by a Uniform Commercial Code filing with the secretary of state. All other liens are hereby expressly prohibited under this chapter. The landlord shall be responsible for releasing lien at expiration or termination of the lease.
[Acts 1975, ch. 245, 4.205; T.C.A., 64-2849.]
66-28-512. Termination of periodic tenancy - Holdover remedies.
(a) The landlord or the tenant may terminate a week-to-week tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least ten (10) days prior to the termination date specified in the notice.
(b) The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least thirty (30) days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice.
(c) If the tenant remains in possession without the landlord's consent after expiration of the term of the rental agreement or its termination, the landlord may bring an action for possession and if the tenant's holdover is willful and not in good faith, the landlord, in addition, may recover actual damages sustained by the landlord, plus reasonable attorney's fees. If the landlord consents to the tenant's continued occupancy, 66-28-201(c) applies.
[Acts 1975, ch. 245, 4.301; T.C.A., 64-2852.]
66-28-517. Termination by landlord for violence or threats to health, safety, or welfare of persons or property.
(a) A landlord may terminate a rental agreement within three (3) days from the date written notice is
delivered to the tenant if the tenant or any other person on the premises with the tenant's consent willfully or intentionally commits a violent act or behaves in a manner which constitutes or threatens to be a real and present danger to the health, safety or welfare of the life or property of other tenants or persons on the premises.
(b) The notice required by this section shall specifically detail the violation which has been committed and shall be effective only from the date of receipt of the notice by the tenant.
(c) Upon receipt of such written notice, the tenant shall be entitled to immediate access to any court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of obtaining a temporary or permanent injunction against such termination by the landlord.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow a landlord to recover or take possession of the
dwelling unit by action or otherwise including willful diminution of services to the tenant by interrupting or causing interruption of electric, gas or other essential service to the tenant except in the case of abandonment or surrender.
(e) If the landlord's action in terminating the lease under this provision is willful and not in good faith, the tenant may in addition recover actual damages sustained by the tenant plus reasonable attorney's fees.
(f) The failure to bring an action for or to obtain an injunction may not be used as evidence in any action to recover possession of the dwelling unit.
[Acts 1983, ch. 271, 1.]
Security Deposits
66-28-301. Security deposits.
(a) All landlords of residential property requiring security deposits prior to occupancy are required to deposit all tenants' security deposits in an account used only for that purpose, in any bank or other lending institution subject to regulation by the state of Tennessee or any agency of the United States government. Prospective tenants shall be informed of the location of the separate account.
(b) Within three (3) business days of the termination of occupancy but prior to any repairs or cleanup of the premises, the landlord shall inspect the premises and compile a comprehensive listing of any damage to the unit which is the basis for any charge against the security deposit and the estimated dollar cost of repairing such damage. The tenant shall then have the right to inspect the premises to ascertain the accuracy of such listing. The landlord and the tenant shall sign such listing, which signatures shall be conclusive evidence of the accuracy of such listing. If the tenant refuses to sign such listing, the tenant shall state specifically in writing the items on the list to which the tenant dissents, and shall sign such statement of dissent. If the tenant has moved or is otherwise inaccessible to the landlord, the landlord shall mail a copy of the listing of damages and estimated cost of repairs to the tenant at the tenant's last known mailing address.
(c) No landlord shall be entitled to retain any portion of a security deposit if the security deposit was not deposited in a separate account as required by subsection (a) and if the final damage listing required by subsection (b) is not provided.
(d) A tenant who disputes the accuracy of the final damage listing given pursuant to subsection (b) may bring an action in a circuit or general sessions court of competent jurisdiction of this state. The tenant's claim shall be limited to those items from which the tenant specifically dissented in accordance with the listing or specifically dissented in accordance with subsection (b); otherwise the tenant shall not be entitled to recover any damages under this section.
(e) Should a tenant vacate the premises with unpaid rent due and owing, and without making a demand for return of deposit, the landlord may, after thirty (30) days, remove the deposit from the account and apply the moneys to the unpaid debt.
(f) In the event the tenant leaves not owing rent and having any refund due, the landlord shall send notification to the last known or reasonable determinable address, of the amount of any refund due the tenant. In the event the landlord shall not have received a response from the tenant within sixty (60) days from the sending of such notification, the landlord may remove the deposit from the account and retain it free from any claim of the tenant or any person claiming in the tenant's behalf.
(g) This section does not preclude the landlord or tenant from recovering other damages to which such landlord or tenant may be entitled under this chapter.
(h) (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), all landlords of residential property shall be required to notify their tenants at the time such persons sign the lease and submit the security deposit, of the location of the separate account required to be maintained pursuant to this section, but shall not be required to provide the account number to such persons, nor shall they be required to provide such information to a person who is a prospective tenant.
(2) The provisions of subdivision (h)(1) do not apply in counties having a population according to the 1990 federal census or any subsequent federal census, of:
not less than nor more than
______________________________
80,000 83,000
92,200 92,500
118,400 118,700
140,000 145,000
[Acts 1975, ch. 245, 2.101; T.C.A., 64-2821; Acts 1984, ch. 645, 1; 1992, ch. 995, 2, 4-6; 1997,
ch. 397, 1, 2.]
TITLE 66 PROPERTY CHAPTER 35 (RENT CONTROL)
66-35-101. "Local governmental unit" defined.
As used in this chapter, "local governmental unit" means any political subdivision of the state of Tennessee, including, but not limited to, counties or incorporated municipalities, if such political subdivision provides local government services for residents in a geograpically limited area of Tennessee as its primary purpose and has the power to act primarily on behalf of that area.
[Acts 1996, ch. 623, 1.]
66-35-102. Rent control by local governments prohibited.
A local governmental unit shall not enact, maintain or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial property.
[Acts 1996, ch. 623, 1.]
66-35-103. Management of government-owned property excepted.
This chapter does not impair the right of a local governmental unit to manage and control residential or commercial property in which such local governmental unit has a property interest.
[Acts 1996, ch. 623, 1.] |