Tennessee has no rent control laws in 2026, giving landlords flexibility to raise rent without caps on amount or frequency.
Notice Requirements
Landlords must provide written notice before increases: 30 days for month-to-month leases and 60 days for fixed-term leases ending soon.
Under the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA), which applies in larger counties, tenants can reject hikes by vacating during the notice period. No notice is needed mid-lease unless the agreement specifies otherwise.
Tenant Protections
Increases cannot be retaliatory (e.g., after repair requests) or discriminatory under federal and state fair housing laws. Tenants in URLTA areas have rights to habitable units, but rent hikes tied to market rates are legal. A 2025 bill (SB0961) proposed local rent controls but did not pass, preserving the status quo.
Renewal and Strategies
At lease end, landlords propose new terms; tenants can negotiate or move out. Late fees and grace periods (if any) remain unchanged. Track notices in writing and document communications to protect rights…