Eviction in Tennessee
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Tennessee requires 30 days' notice for month-to-month tenancies and allows quick court proceedings called "detainer" actions.
How Tennessee treats Eviction
Tennessee uses a streamlined "detainer" action process under Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-6-402 for evictions, which moves faster than standard civil suits. Landlords must provide written notice matching the tenancy period (30 days for month-to-month) before filing. The court hearing typically occurs within 20–30 days, and if the landlord wins, the tenant must vacate within 5 days or face forced removal by the sheriff. Tennessee allows eviction for non-payment, lease violations, and holdover after lease expiration.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.