Tennessee Roommate Agreement Overview
Tennessee roommate agreements are enforceable private contracts. General Sessions Court handles civil cases up to $25,000. Tennessee\'s URLTA (TCA Title 66, Chapter 28) governs the lease.
A roommate agreement in Tennessee is a private contract between people who share a rental property. It is separate from the lease with your landlord and covers how roommates split expenses, divide chores, handle guests, manage quiet hours, and resolve disputes. This document protects all roommates by making expectations explicit and enforceable.
Yes
Legally binding
$25,000
Small claims limit
Yes
Joint liability
No
Filed w/ landlord
Tennessee Legal Considerations for Roommates
Understanding Tennessee's legal framework helps you create a stronger roommate agreement and know your rights.
Important: Joint and Several Liability in Tennessee
In Tennessee, if all roommates are on the lease, each roommate is jointly and severally liable for the full rent amount. This means the landlord can pursue ANY roommate for the ENTIRE rent, not just their share. A roommate agreement establishes internal obligations so you can recover from a non-paying roommate in general sessions court.
- Contract Enforceability: Tennessee courts enforce written roommate agreements as valid contracts between private parties
- Small Claims Court: Tennessee's general sessions court handles disputes up to $25,000, covering most roommate disagreements
- Security Deposits: The landlord holds one deposit for the entire unit — your roommate agreement should document each person's share
- Lease vs. Agreement: Your roommate agreement does not modify the lease — it governs internal arrangements between co-tenants only
What to Include in Your Tennessee Roommate Agreement
A comprehensive Tennessee roommate agreement should cover every aspect of shared living to prevent disputes.
Rent & Expense Split
Each roommate's share of rent, utilities, internet, and other shared costs with payment deadlines
Chore Responsibilities
Cleaning schedule, assigned tasks, shared space standards, and consequences for not completing chores
Guest Policies & Quiet Hours
Overnight guest limits, advance notice rules, quiet hours (e.g., 10 PM-8 AM weeknights), and party policies
Food & Kitchen Rules
Shared vs. personal groceries, refrigerator space, cooking cleanup expectations, and appliance use
Parking & Storage
Assigned parking spots, guest parking rules, storage space allocation, and common area use
Move-Out & Dispute Resolution
Notice period (30-60 days), replacement responsibility, deposit handling, and dispute resolution steps
Splitting Expenses in Tennessee
The financial arrangement is often the most important part of a roommate agreement. Here's how to handle common expenses in Tennessee:
| Expense | Common Approach |
|---|---|
| Rent | Equal split, by room size, or by income — document each person's exact amount |
| Utilities | Equal split of electric, gas, water — name who manages each account |
| Internet / Cable | Equal split — one roommate holds the account, others reimburse |
| Security Deposit | Document each person's contribution — handle refunds internally at move-out |
| Groceries | Shared fund, split receipts, or each person buys their own — specify in agreement |
| Cleaning Supplies | Shared expense — rotate purchasing or split receipts equally |
Sample Tennessee Roommate Agreement
Below is a preview of our Tennessee-specific roommate agreement template.
STATE OF TENNESSEE
ROOMMATE AGREEMENT
Private Agreement Between Co-Tenants
ROOMMATES:
1. [Name] — Room: [Room]
2. [Name] — Room: [Room]
PROPERTY
Address: [Tennessee Address]
RENT & EXPENSES
Total Rent: $[Amount]/month
Roommate 1: $[Share] Roommate 2: $[Share]
Tennessee Roommate Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about roommate agreements in Tennessee.
Create Your Tennessee Roommate Agreement
Customize the rules for your household and download your Tennessee-specific agreement in minutes.
No account required. Free to create and preview.