Tennessee One Page Lease Overview
A one-page lease in Tennessee is a concise rental agreement covering essential tenancy terms. Tennessee\'s landlord-tenant law is governed by Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Tenn. Code Title 66, Chapter 28). Tennessee provides balanced URLTA protections with specific late fee rules — capped at 10% of past-due rent with a mandatory 5-day grace period. There is no statutory deposit cap, but the landlord must return it within 30 days.
Tennessee does not impose a statutory cap on security deposits. The deposit must be returned within 30 days after the tenant vacates, with an itemized statement of deductions. Late fees are 10% of past-due rent (Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d)). 5 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d)) grace period applies.
The Tennessee rental market varies across the state, with different dynamics in urban, suburban, and rural areas. One-page leases are practical for straightforward month-to-month tenancies, room rentals, and simple residential arrangements. For longer-term or more complex situations, a comprehensive lease is recommended to address all potential issues in detail.
No cap
Deposit Limit
30 days
Deposit Return
30 days
Termination Notice
Tennessee Minimum Required Lease Terms
Tennessee\'s Statute of Frauds requires leases exceeding one year to be in writing. A valid one-page lease should include these essential elements:
- Parties: Full legal names of landlord and all adult tenants
- Premises: Complete address including city, county, and zip code
- Rent: Monthly amount, due date, and payment methods; note the 5 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d)) before late fees apply
- Term: Start and end dates for fixed-term, or month-to-month designation
- Security deposit: Amount and return conditions
- Signatures: All parties must sign; no notarization required
Tennessee Required Disclosures
Tennessee requires certain disclosures with any residential lease. These can be provided as separate addenda to keep the lease to one page.
- Lead-based paint (federal): Required for housing built before 1978 (42 U.S.C. § 4852d)
- Landlord/agent identity: Name and address of the owner and authorized managing agent
Tennessee Lease Compliance Note
While a one-page lease is legally valid in Tennessee, landlords must still comply with all applicable state disclosure requirements and tenant protection laws. Tennessee caps late fees at 10% of the past-due rent amount and provides a mandatory 5-day grace period. No statutory deposit cap exists. Always provide mandatory disclosures as separate addenda even when using a simplified one-page lease format.
Enforceability and Default Rules in Tennessee
Tennessee recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. The landlord must maintain the premises in a condition fit for human habitation, including structural integrity, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. The landlord must give 24 hours notice before entering the unit.
Month-to-month tenancies require 30 days notice for termination. For non-payment of rent, the landlord must provide 14 days before filing for eviction. Tennessee prohibits self-help evictions — the landlord must go through the court system to remove a tenant.
When a one-page lease is silent on an issue, Tennessee\'s statutory defaults and common law principles fill the gaps. There is no statutory limit on security deposits. The deposit must be returned within 30 days. The state\'s statutory framework provides a reasonable baseline of protections for both parties.
Key Financial and Legal Details
| Item | Tennessee Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Maximum | No statutory cap |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Late Fee Cap | 10% of past-due rent (Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d)) |
| Grace Period | 5 days (Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d)) |
| Termination Notice (M-to-M) | 30 days |
| Non-Payment Notice | 14 days |
| Landlord Entry Notice | 24 hours |
| Rent Control | None statewide |
Official Tennessee Resources
Other Tennessee Lease Agreement Types
Need a more comprehensive lease for Tennessee? Consider these full-length templates.
Tennessee One Page Lease FAQ
Common questions about simplified one-page lease agreements under Tennessee law.
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