Need a Property Rentals / Apartments For Rent Contract in Tennessee? AroundWire Can Help

In Tennessee, contracts for property rentals and apartments for rent are governed primarily by the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which applies to counties with populations over 75,000 but is often used as a guideline elsewhere. Typical lease agreements must clearly specify rent amount, payment due dates, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and duration of tenancy. State law does not cap security deposits, but requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days of lease termination, less documented damages. Landlords must disclose known lead-based paint hazards (for properties built before 1978) and provide notice before entering occupied units, generally 24 hours. There is no statewide landlord licensing requirement, but some municipalities (notably Nashville and Memphis) may have local rental registration or inspection mandates. Insurance obligations commonly include landlord property insurance, while tenants are often encouraged or required to carry renters’ insurance. Payment terms are generally monthly, with late fees permissible if specified in the contract and not excessive (case law suggests 10% as a reasonable maximum). Risk factors include liability for property condition and habitability, with landlords responsible for maintaining compliance with health and safety codes. Dispute resolution is frequently handled through local courts, with written notice of lease violations or termination required by statute. Contracts often reference Tennessee’s landlord-tenant statutes to clarify legal rights and remedies, and electronic signatures are widely accepted.