Tennessee Evictions: FED, 14-Day Notice & Court

A Tennessee eviction is a forcible entry and detainer (unlawful detainer) action, usually filed in general sessions court. Under the URLTA, for nonpayment of rent a landlord may give a 14-day notice — if the rent isn't paid within 14 days of receipt, the rental agreement terminates. Self-help eviction is not allowed; the landlord must use the court process.

This is general information, not legal advice. Tennessee eviction procedure has strict steps and deadlines — confirm the current rule on the official sources below, or talk to a Tennessee attorney.

A Tennessee eviction is a court process. A landlord can’t just change the locks — they have to file and win a case.

Eviction is “FED” (Title 29, Ch. 18)

A Tennessee eviction is a forcible entry and detainer (FED) — also called unlawful detainer — action, usually filed in general sessions court (T.C.A. § 29-18-101 et seq.). The court, not the landlord, decides whether the tenant must leave.

The 14-day notice for nonpayment (§ 66-28-505)

Under the URLTA, for nonpayment of rent the landlord may give a 14-day notice. If the rent isn’t paid within 14 days of the tenant receiving the notice, the rental agreement terminates (T.C.A. § 66-28-505). (Remember the URLTA applies only in counties over 75,000 — see landlord–tenant.)

Self-help eviction is illegal

A landlord cannot lock out a tenant, remove belongings, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Self-help eviction is not allowed — the landlord must use the court process.

Where to go next

For the deposit and county-coverage rules behind a tenancy, see landlord–tenant. For more statewide property basics, see the real estate hub.

To get matched with a local Tennessee attorney, connect with a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of case is a Tennessee eviction?

A forcible entry and detainer (unlawful detainer) action, usually filed in general sessions court (T.C.A. § 29-18-101 et seq.). It is the court process a landlord must follow to remove a tenant.

How much notice is required for nonpayment of rent in Tennessee?

Under the URLTA, a landlord may give a 14-day notice for nonpayment of rent. If the rent isn't paid within 14 days of receipt, the rental agreement terminates (T.C.A. § 66-28-505).

Can a Tennessee landlord lock me out without going to court?

No. Self-help eviction is not allowed. A landlord must use the court forcible entry and detainer process to remove a tenant (T.C.A. § 29-18-101 et seq.).

Related guides

Buying & Selling a Home in Tennessee: Disclosure & Deeds Under Tennessee's Residential Property Disclosure Act, the seller of residential property (1–4 units) generally must give the buyer a residential property disclosure statement describing the property's known condition and defects — or, where allowed, an 'as is' disclaimer. The disclosure is not a warranty and not a substitute for an inspection. To be recorded, a deed must be signed and either acknowledged before a notary or proved by two subscribing witnesses.

How to Hold Title in Tennessee: Survivorship & Entirety Tennessee co-owners hold title as tenants in common (the default) or with a right of survivorship. Tennessee has abolished automatic survivorship in joint tenancy, so survivorship exists only if the deed expressly creates it; otherwise co-owners take as tenants in common. Tennessee does recognize tenancy by the entirety for married couples, which carries survivorship and creditor-protection features.

Recording & Title in Tennessee: Register of Deeds Tennessee deeds are recorded with the county register of deeds. Tennessee is a notice-type recording state: an unregistered instrument is null and void as to creditors and bona-fide purchasers without notice. Among recorded instruments, priority generally follows the order of recording, so recording promptly protects your interest.

Tennessee Condos & HOAs: The Condominium Act Tennessee condominiums are governed by Title 66, Chapter 27 — including the Tennessee Condominium Act of 2008, which covers creation, unit-owner associations, and residential disclosure requirements. Older buildings may fall under the earlier Horizontal Property Act. Homeowners' associations operate under their recorded covenants.

Tennessee Landlord–Tenant Rules: URLTA & Deposits Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies only in counties with a population over 75,000; smaller counties follow common-law and lease terms. Where the URLTA applies and a landlord requires a security deposit, the landlord must hold it in a separate account used only for deposits and tell the tenant where it is kept.

Tennessee Evictions: FED, the 14-Day Notice & Court