Tennessee’s rental landscape in 2025 remains notably landlord-friendly, with no statewide rent control and minimal restrictions on how much or how often landlords can raise rent. However, there are important rules and protections tenants should understand regarding notice requirements, lease terms, and illegal rent increases.
No Statewide Rent Control or Local Limits
- Tennessee does not have any rent control laws. This means there is no cap on the amount or percentage by which a landlord can raise rent, regardless of the size or frequency of the increase.
- State law also prohibits cities and counties from enacting their own rent control measures. Since 1981, the Rent Control Act has banned any local rent stabilization ordinances, so no municipality in Tennessee can set limits on rent increases.
- As a result, market conditions and lease agreements are the primary factors that determine rent increases.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
- Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
- Fixed-Term Leases (e.g., one-year leases): Rent cannot be raised during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows for it. For increases at renewal, landlords generally must give 60 days’ written notice before the new lease term begins.
- Written Notice: All rent increase notifications must be in writing. Verbal notice is not sufficient under Tennessee law.
- If proper notice is not given, the rent increase cannot legally take effect until the required notice period has elapsed.
When Can a Landlord Raise Rent?
- During a Lease: If you have a fixed-term lease, the rent amount is locked in for the duration of the lease unless the lease agreement explicitly allows for mid-term increases.
- At Renewal or for Month-to-Month Tenancies: Once a lease ends or if you are renting month-to-month, landlords can raise the rent to any amount, provided they follow the required notice period.
- Tenant Options: For month-to-month leases, tenants are not obligated to accept a rent increase. If you do not agree to the new terms, you can choose to move out before the increase takes effect.
Illegal Rent Increases: Retaliation and Discrimination
- Retaliatory Increases: Landlords cannot increase rent in retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights, such as requesting repairs or reporting code violations. Retaliatory rent hikes are prohibited and can be challenged in court.
- Discriminatory Increases: Rent increases cannot be based on a tenant’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Such discrimination is illegal under both state and federal law (Fair Housing Act).
- If you suspect a rent increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, you may have legal grounds to contest it.
Other Tenant Protections and Considerations
- Lease Terms Must Be Honored: Landlords must abide by the terms of the current lease and cannot raise rent mid-term unless the lease allows it.
- Security Deposits: While unrelated to rent increases, Tennessee does regulate security deposits, capping them at 90 days’ rent for leases of six months or longer, and requiring prompt return with an itemized list of deductions upon move-out.
- Habitability: Landlords must maintain the property in a habitable condition regardless of rent increases.
What Should Tenants Do If Facing a Rent Increase?
- Review Your Lease: Check for any clauses about rent increases and notice periods.
- Ensure Proper Notice: Confirm that you received written notice and that it meets the required timeframe (30 or 60 days, depending on your lease type).
- Evaluate Your Options: For month-to-month leases, you can accept the increase or provide notice to vacate. For fixed-term leases, increases can only take effect at renewal.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you believe a rent increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, consult legal aid or a tenant advocacy organization.
Tennessee Rent Increase Laws 2025
Lease TypeNotice RequiredLimit on IncreaseWhen Allowed
Month-to-Month30 daysNoneAnytime, with notice
Fixed-Term (e.g., 1 year)60 days (at renewal)NoneAt lease renewal…