Legal Templates

Tennessee Eviction Notice Forms

Updated August 16, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A Tennessee eviction notice is utilized by landlords to initiate the tenant eviction process. This notice adheres to Tennessee state law, outlining the reasons for eviction and providing the tenant with the legally mandated period to take action or vacate the premises.

Table of Contents

By Type

Eviction Laws & Requirements

  • Grace Period for Late Rent: 5 days, Landlords may only impose a late fee after five days of the rental due date. (§ 66-28-201).
  • Notice of Non-Compliance: 7, 14, or 30 days depending on the county and whether the tenant has been notified for breaking the same lease term within the last six months. (§ 66-7-109(b)).
  • Illegal Behavior Eviction: 3 days (§ 66-28-517).
  • Non-Payment of Rent Notice: 14 days, seven days for repeat offenders within the last six months. (§ 66-28-505 and § 66-7-109(a)).
  • Month-to-Month Lease Termination: 30 days (§ 66-28-512).
  • Immediate Eviction: Landlords may immediately evict tenants for prostitution or drug violations. (§ 66-7-107).

How to Evict a Tenant in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, eviction lawsuits are governed by Title 29, Chapter 18 of the Tennessee Code.

Step 1: Send an Eviction Notice

To start the eviction process, landlords must notify tenants about the lease breach or violation and serve them the appropriate eviction form. Landlords must give the tenants time to cure the violations if applicable (i.e., rent nonpayment).

Step 2: Wait for a Response

If a tenant does not respond to an eviction notice, landlords can file a Detainer Summons with their local General Sessions Court. Landlords must ensure that the court they visit has jurisdiction over the property. If they do, the court will set a hearing date.

Step 3: Allow the Sheriff to Handle the Situation

Landlords must hire the local sheriff to serve a tenant with a Detainer Warrant; they cannot do it themselves.

Step 4: Appear in Court

A hearing date will be set. The court will issue a Writ of Possession if the tenant does not appear or the landlord is proven correct. The landlord may then take possession of the premises with the sheriff if necessary.

  • Detainer Summons: This form is used to summon a tenant to court if they fail to abide by the demands of an eviction notice.
  • Writ of Possession: The court issues this form if a landlord is found correct during an eviction lawsuit. It entitles the landlord to reclaim possession of their property.