Tennessee Non-Payment of Rent Notice Overview
Tennessee requires a 14-day notice to pay rent or quit under TCA §66-28-505 before filing an eviction (detainer) action. Combined with the state's 5-day grace period for rent, Tennessee tenants have a minimum of 19 days from the rent due date before eviction can be filed. Late fees are capped at 10% of the past-due amount.
Tennessee evictions are filed in General Sessions Court. Davidson County (Nashville) and Shelby County (Memphis) process the highest volumes. The General Sessions Court process is informal and relatively fast, with hearings typically within 6-14 days of filing.
14 Days
Notice period
$90
Avg. filing fee
Yes
Right to cure
3-5 wks
Court process
Tennessee's 14-Day Notice Requirement
Under TCA §66-28-505, when a tenant fails to pay rent when due, the landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant 14 days to either pay the full amount of rent owed or vacate the premises. The notice must clearly state the amount of rent due, the deadline for payment, and that the landlord will terminate the rental agreement if the tenant does not comply.
Tennessee provides a 5-day statutory grace period before late fees can be charged, then a 14-day notice for non-payment. Late fees are capped at 10% of the past-due amount. Tennessee uses General Sessions Court for evictions, which provides a fast, informal process.
Tennessee: 5-Day Grace + 14-Day Notice + 10% Late Fee Cap
Tennessee provides a layered protection: (1) 5-day grace period before late fees (TCA §66-28-201(d)); (2) 14-day notice to pay or quit before eviction can be filed; (3) late fees capped at 10% of the past-due amount. The effective minimum from rent due date to filing is 19 days. Nashville (Davidson County) and Memphis (Shelby County) handle the highest volume of eviction cases.
Tennessee Legal Requirements (TCA §66-28-505)
For the notice to be valid under Tennessee law, it must meet specific requirements established by statute and interpreted by Tennessee courts. A defective notice will result in dismissal of the eviction action, requiring the landlord to start the process over.
Required Notice Elements
- Written Format: The notice must be in writing. Verbal demands are not legally sufficient under Tennessee law
- Exact Rent Amount: State the precise dollar amount of rent owed, broken down by period if applicable
- Cure Period: Clearly state the tenant has 14 days to pay the full amount or vacate
- Property Address: Include the full street address and unit number of the rental premises
- Tenant Names: List all tenants named on the lease who must be served with the notice
- Termination Warning: State that the rental agreement will terminate if rent is not paid within the notice period
- Landlord Information: Include the landlord's name, address, and contact information
Tennessee Grace Period & Late Fee Rules
5-day grace period under TCA §66-28-201(d). Understanding Tennessee's specific rules about when rent becomes late and what fees can be charged is essential for properly timing and drafting the non-payment notice.
Late fees capped at 10% of amount past due under TCA §66-28-201(d). Landlords should ensure all fee provisions are clearly documented in the lease agreement and comply with Tennessee law.
Tennessee Late Fee Quick Reference
Grace Period
5-day grace period under TCA §66-28-201(d).
Late Fee Rule
Late fees capped at 10% of amount past due under TCA §66-28-201(d).
Partial Payment
Does not cure. Acceptance may complicate proceedings.
Right to Cure
Yes.
How to Serve a Non-Payment Notice in Tennessee
Tennessee law specifies acceptable methods for delivering the notice. Improper service will invalidate the notice and require the landlord to start the process over, losing valuable time. Tennessee courts require proof of proper service before proceeding with an eviction action.
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. This is the most reliable method and preferred by Tennessee courts. Use a witness or process server to establish proof of service.
Substitute Service
If the tenant is not available, leave the notice with a person of suitable age and discretion residing at the premises. Document the name and relationship of the person who accepted it.
Post and Mail
Post the notice conspicuously on the main entrance of the unit and mail a copy via first-class mail. Both steps must be completed for valid service under this method.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the return receipt as proof of delivery. The notice period begins when the tenant receives or signs for the mail.
File After Notice Expires
After the notice period passes without payment, file an eviction complaint in Tennessee General Sessions Court. Include the original notice and proof of service with your filing.
Tennessee Non-Payment Eviction Timeline
The Tennessee eviction process for non-payment follows a structured timeline. Understanding this timeline helps landlords plan appropriately and set realistic expectations for regaining possession.
| Step | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Rent due + 5-day grace period | Day 6 |
| Serve 14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit | Day 6 |
| Notice expires | Day 20 |
| File detainer warrant in General Sessions | Day 20-22 |
| Hearing (6-14 days after filing) | Day 26-36 |
| Judgment entered | Day 26-36 |
| Writ of possession (10 days after judgment) | Day 36-46 |
Total: 3-5 weeks from filing. 5-7 weeks from rent due date. Nashville and Memphis may be slower.
Tennessee Eviction Filing Fees & Costs
Filing fees for eviction actions in Tennessee vary by court. Below are typical costs landlords should expect.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| General Sessions Court Filing Fee | $60 - $130 |
| Service of Process | $20 - $50 |
| Writ of Possession/Restitution | $25 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal (if needed) | $200 - $350 |
Sample Tennessee 14-Day Non-Payment Notice
Below is a preview of our Tennessee-specific non-payment notice. The final document includes all statutory language required under TCA §66-28-505 and is formatted for Tennessee court proceedings.
FOURTEEN (14) DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR QUIT
STATE OF TENNESSEE
Pursuant to TCA §66-28-505
TO TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenants on Lease]
Property: [Full Tennessee Property Address]
RENT DUE:
Total rent owed: $[Amount]for the period of [Month/Year].
TENNESSEE STATUTORY NOTICE:
You have FOURTEEN (14) DAYS from service to pay the full rent due or quit. The 5-day grace period has expired. Under Tennessee law, late fees cannot exceed 10% of the past-due amount. If you fail to comply, the landlord will file a detainer warrant in General Sessions Court.