Tennessee remains one of the most landlord-friendly states in the U.S., especially regarding rent increases. Here’s what tenants need to know about the current laws and their rights in 2025.
No Rent Control or Caps
- No Statewide Rent Control: Tennessee law does not impose any rent control, meaning there are no limits on how much or how often landlords can increase rent.
- No Local Rent Control: Since 1981, cities and counties in Tennessee are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances.
- Landlord Discretion: Landlords can raise rents to match market rates or for other reasons, provided they follow notice requirements.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
| Lease Type | Required Notice for Rent Increase |
|---|---|
| Month-to-Month Lease | 30 days’ written notice |
| Year-Long Lease | 60 days’ written notice before renewal |
- Written Notice: All rent increases must be communicated in writing. Verbal notices are not legally valid.
- During Lease Term: Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows for it.
Tenant Protections
While Tennessee does not restrict rent amounts, tenants are protected in several key ways:
- No Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights, such as requesting repairs or reporting violations.
- No Discrimination: Rent increases cannot be based on race, religion, nationality, disability, or other protected characteristics.
- Habitability: Tenants maintain the right to a safe, habitable home regardless of rent changes.
What Tenants Can Do
- Review Lease Terms: Always check your lease for specific clauses about rent increases and notice periods.
- Negotiate: Some landlords may be willing to negotiate rent increases, especially with reliable tenants.
- Seek Assistance: Rental assistance programs and advocacy groups may help if a rent increase makes housing unaffordable.
- Legal Remedies: If a rent increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, tenants can seek legal action.
Key Takeaways
- There are no legal limits on rent increases in Tennessee, but landlords must provide adequate written notice-typically 30 days for month-to-month leases and 60 days for annual leases.
- Rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it.
- Tenants are protected from discriminatory and retaliatory rent increases.
- Always get rent increase notices in writing and keep records for your protection.
Staying informed and proactive is the best way for tenants to navigate Tennessee’s rental market in 2025.
Sources:
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-tennessee
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/tennessee-rent-increase-laws-2025-what-tenants-should-know/
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-tennessee
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-memphis-tn