Tennessee Eviction Notice Overview
Tennessee is a true 14-day cure state for both non-payment and lease violations under T.C.A. §66-28-505. The Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides a 14-day notice period for material noncompliance. Evictions (detainer actions) are filed in General Sessions Court. Tennessee’s process is moderately fast with affordable filing fees.
Davidson County (Nashville), Shelby County (Memphis), Knox County (Knoxville), and Hamilton County (Chattanooga) handle the highest volumes. Tennessee’s 14-day cure period applies to both non-payment and lease violations, making it unique among 14-day states. Nashville’s rapid growth has significantly increased eviction filings.
14 Days
Cure period
$45–$135
General Sessions Court
Written
Notice required
3–6 Wks
Total process
Tennessee Is a True 14-Day State for All Violations
Under T.C.A. §66-28-505, the landlord must give 14 days’ written notice for both non-payment of rent and material noncompliance with the rental agreement. The tenant can cure within 14 days. For repeat violations within 6 months, a 14-day unconditional quit notice may be served.
Tennessee Notice Periods
14-day notice: Non-payment of rent (T.C.A. §66-28-505(b))
14-day cure: Material noncompliance (T.C.A. §66-28-505(a))
14-day unconditional: Repeat within 6 months
3-day notice: Dangerous criminal activity
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Tennessee
- Unauthorized pets
- Unauthorized occupants
- Noise complaints
- Property damage
- Failure to maintain
- Operating businesses without permission
Tennessee Legal Requirements
Tennessee courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Required under the TN URLTA
- 14-Day Period: State 14 days to cure with deadline date
- Specific Violation: Describe the noncompliance
- Termination Warning: State consequences of failure to cure
- Landlord Info: Name, address, phone
Serving the Notice in Tennessee
Proper service is critical in Tennessee. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand to tenant.
Post and Mail
Post on door and mail via first-class.
Certified Mail
Via certified mail for documentation.
Tennessee Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Tennessee, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Tennessee Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Tennessee. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| General Sessions Court Filing | $45 – $135 |
| Sheriff/Constable Service | $20 – $45 |
| Writ of Possession | $20 – $40 |
| Attorney Fees | $400 – $1,500 |
Sample Tennessee Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Tennessee-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under TN law.
14-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT
STATE OF TENNESSEE
Pursuant to T.C.A. §66-28-505
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Tennessee Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have fourteen (14) days to cure the above violation or pay the rent owed. Failure to comply will terminate your rental agreement.