Tennessee Rental Application Overview
Tennessee is a landlord-friendly state with minimal screening restrictions at the state level.
Tennessee does not cap rental application fees. Landlords set fees at their discretion. In Nashville's competitive market, fees can be on the higher end.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
3x monthly rent (typ
Income requirement
Tennessee Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Tennessee does not cap rental application fees. Landlords set fees at their discretion. In Nashville's competitive market, fees can be on the higher end.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Tennessee has no ban-the-box law for housing. Landlords can consider criminal history without restriction.
Credit Check Requirements
Tennessee landlords can run credit checks with written consent per the FCRA. No additional state restrictions.
Fair Housing Protections
Tennessee's fair housing law mirrors the federal Fair Housing Act. Nashville Metro has some local protections.
Tennessee Screening Criteria
Tennessee landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Tennessee state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Tennessee landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical) is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Tennessee's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Tennessee Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Tennessee rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Tennessee-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Tennessee data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Tennessee landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Tennessee landlords require income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical).
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Tennessee does not cap application fees.
Tennessee Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Tennessee. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30-$75 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Tennessee Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Tennessee-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Tennessee law.
STATE OF TENNESSEE
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Tennessee Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Tennessee state law...
Tennessee Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Tennessee.
Official Tennessee Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Tennessee tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Tennessee Human Rights Commission
Fair housing complaints and enforcement
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee
Free legal help for Tennessee tenants
HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
Federal fair housing laws, complaints, and guidance
FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal credit reporting rights for tenants
Other Tennessee Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Tennessee? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
Create your Tennessee Rental Application in under 5 minutes.
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