Question 1

Does Tennessee use a 10-day eviction notice?

Accepted Answer

No. Tennessee uses a 14-day notice for non-payment of rent and lease violations under Tenn. Code Ann. Section 66-28-505. This 14-day notice applies to both non-payment and material non-compliance with the lease. Tennessee does not have a 10-day notice period in its Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA). The 14-day period gives tenants more time than many neighboring states, though Tennessee's overall eviction timeline is relatively fast due to efficient General Sessions Court processing.

Question 2

What triggers the 14-day notice in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Under Tenn. Code Ann. Section 66-28-505, a landlord must provide a 14-day written notice when the tenant has failed to pay rent or materially violated the lease. For non-payment, the notice gives the tenant 14 days to pay the full amount owed. For material non-compliance (unauthorized pets, excessive noise, property damage), the notice gives the tenant 14 days to cure. If the tenant cures within 14 days, the tenancy continues. If not, the landlord may file a Detainer Warrant in General Sessions Court. For repeat violations within 6 months, the landlord may serve a 14-day unconditional quit notice.

Question 3

Where are Tennessee eviction cases filed?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee eviction cases are filed as Detainer Warrant actions in General Sessions Court for the county where the rental property is located. In Davidson County (Nashville), file at 1 Public Square. In Shelby County (Memphis), file at 140 Adams Avenue. In Knox County (Knoxville), file at 400 Main Street. Filing fees range from $52 to $102 depending on the county. Tennessee's General Sessions Courts process evictions efficiently, with hearings typically scheduled within 6 to 14 days of filing.

Question 4

How must eviction notices be served in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee law under Tenn. Code Ann. Section 66-28-512 requires delivery by hand, first-class mail, or posting on the premises if personal delivery and mail cannot be accomplished. For personal delivery, the notice may be handed directly to the tenant or left with an adult household member. When served by mail, the notice period is generally extended by one day. Tennessee courts require the landlord to present evidence of proper service at the Detainer hearing.

Question 5

What happens at the Tennessee detainer hearing?

Accepted Answer

After the 14-day notice expires, the landlord files a Detainer Warrant. The court schedules a hearing typically 6-14 days after filing. The landlord presents the lease, notice, proof of service, and evidence of non-payment or violation. The tenant may raise defenses. If the judge rules for the landlord, a Writ of Possession is issued. The tenant has 10 days to appeal to Circuit Court. If no appeal, the sheriff executes the writ and physically removes the tenant if necessary.

Question 6

Does Tennessee require landlords to accept rent during the 14-day period?

Accepted Answer

During the 14-day notice period, Tennessee allows the tenant to cure by paying all rent owed. If the tenant tenders full payment within 14 days, the landlord must accept it and the tenancy continues. After the 14-day period expires, the landlord is not obligated to accept rent. However, if the landlord voluntarily accepts rent after the notice period, this may be viewed as waiving the right to proceed with eviction based on that notice. For lease violations, curing the violation within 14 days similarly preserves the tenancy.

Question 7

Are there special rules for Nashville or Memphis evictions?

Accepted Answer

While Tennessee state law governs eviction notice requirements uniformly, Nashville (Davidson County) and Memphis (Shelby County) have local rules that affect the process. Nashville's General Sessions Court uses an online filing system and has specific scheduling procedures. Memphis has high eviction volume, which can lead to longer wait times. Both cities have community mediation programs and tenant assistance resources available before or during the eviction process. However, neither city has enacted local ordinances that change the 14-day notice requirement.

Question 8

How long does the total eviction process take in Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Tennessee evictions for non-payment typically take 5 to 8 weeks from initial notice to physical removal. The breakdown: 14-day notice period, filing the Detainer Warrant and waiting 6-14 days for the hearing. If the landlord prevails, the tenant has 10 days to appeal. If no appeal, the landlord requests a Writ of Possession, and the sheriff schedules execution within 5-10 business days. Cases appealed to Circuit Court take 2-4 months. Nashville and Memphis tend to have the longest timelines. Rural counties process evictions more quickly.

Eviction Reason	Notice Period	Statute
Non-payment of rent	14 days	Tenn. Code §66-28-505(b)
Material non-compliance	14 days (with cure)	Tenn. Code §66-28-505(a)
Repeat violation (6 mo.)	14 days (no cure)	Tenn. Code §66-28-505(a)
Month-to-month termination	30 days	Tenn. Code §66-28-512

Fee / Cost	Typical Amount
Detainer Warrant Filing	$52 - $102
Service of Process	$30 - $50
Writ of Possession	$40 - $75
Attorney Fees	$400 - $1,500
Sheriff Lockout	$75 - $200

Free Tennessee 10-Day Eviction Notice Forms

Tennessee Eviction Notice Overview

Tennessee's Actual Notice Periods

Tennessee Uses 14-Day Notices

Tennessee Legal Requirements

How to Serve in Tennessee

Hand Delivery

First-Class Mail

Posting on Premises

File the Detainer Warrant

Tennessee Eviction Timeline

Tennessee Court Fees

Sample Tennessee 14-Day Notice

14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY OR VACATE

STATE OF TENNESSEE

Tennessee Resources

Frequently Asked Questions