Landlord Entry Laws in Tennessee

By Tenant Know-How Editorial TeamLast updated April 21, 20264 min read

Tennessee Landlord Entry Law at a Glance

Required Notice

Reasonable notice

Entry Hours Restricted

Yes

reasonable hours only

Emergency Entry Without Notice

Allowed

Tenant Can Refuse Unreasonable Entry

Yes

Permitted Reasons for Entry

Repairs and maintenanceInspectionsShowing to prospective tenantsShowing to prospective buyersAgreed-upon servicesEmergencies

Statute: Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees)

How much notice does a landlord have to give in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires landlords to give reasonable advance notice before entering under Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees). The statute does not set a specific hour count — courts typically treat 24 hours as reasonable in practice.

What is your landlord allowed to enter for in Tennessee?

Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees), permitted entry reasons in Tennessee include:

Repairs and maintenance
Inspections
Showing to prospective tenants
Showing to prospective buyers
Agreed-upon services
Emergencies

What counts as an emergency in Tennessee?

Emergency entry permitted without notice. § 66-28-403(b) defines 'emergency' as a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action. Separately, where utilities have been shut off through no fault of the landlord, the landlord may enter to inspect and repair damage (§ 66-28-403(c)).

What are your remedies if your landlord enters without notice in Tennessee?

If your landlord violates entry rules in Tennessee, your remedies under Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees) may include:

Court order stopping future violations (injunction)
Right to terminate the lease
Actual damages
Attorney's fees and court costs

In practice, start by documenting the unauthorized entry (photos, texts, a written log), then send a written objection citing the statute. If violations continue, consult a local tenant-rights attorney or your state's housing court.

Important Tennessee-specific notes

Tennessee's URLTA (Tenn. Code § 66-28-101 et seq.) applies only in counties with a population in excess of 75,000 per the most recent federal census (approximately 20+ counties, including Shelby, Davidson, Knox, Hamilton, Rutherford, Williamson). § 66-28-403 requires that the tenant not unreasonably withhold consent; the Act does not specify a general hour count. Within the final 30 days of tenancy the landlord may enter to show the unit to prospective tenants on at least 24 hours' notice if that right is in the lease. Landlord may not abuse the right of access. In non-URLTA counties, the lease and Tenn. Code § 66-7-101 et seq. govern.

Landlord Entry Notice Lookup

Find out how much notice your landlord must give before entering your home.

Your State

Tennessee Law

Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees)

Required Notice

Reasonable notice

Written Notice Required

No (oral OK)

Reasonable Hours Only

Yes

Emergency Entry (No Notice)

Allowed

Permitted reasons for entry

·Repairs and maintenance
·Inspections
·Showing to prospective tenants
·Showing to prospective buyers
·Agreed-upon services
·Emergencies

Your remedies if landlord violates entry rules

·Court order stopping future violations (injunction)
·Right to terminate the lease
·Actual damages
·Attorney's fees and court costs

Tennessee notes

Full Tennessee landlord entry rules →

Informational only — not legal advice. Verify with the cited statute or a local attorney.

Tennessee Landlord Entry FAQ

How much notice does a landlord have to give in Tennessee before entering?

Tennessee requires landlords to give "reasonable" advance notice before entering under Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees). There is no specific hour count set by statute; courts generally treat 24 hours as reasonable in practice.

Can a landlord enter my rental in Tennessee without notice?

In Tennessee, landlords may enter without notice in emergencies. Emergency entry permitted without notice. § 66-28-403(b) defines 'emergency' as a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action. Separately, where utilities have been shut off through no fault of the landlord, the landlord may enter to inspect and repair damage (§ 66-28-403(c)). Outside of true emergencies, Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees) requires advance notice.

What can a landlord enter for in Tennessee?

Under Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees), permitted reasons for landlord entry in Tennessee include: Repairs and maintenance, Inspections, Showing to prospective tenants, Showing to prospective buyers, Agreed-upon services, Emergencies.

What can I do if my landlord enters without notice in Tennessee?

If your landlord violates entry rules in Tennessee, your remedies under Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (entry); § 66-28-110 (fees) may include: Court order stopping future violations (injunction); Right to terminate the lease; Actual damages; Attorney's fees and court costs. Document the violation in writing and send a demand letter before pursuing legal action.

Does my landlord have to give written notice in Tennessee?

Tennessee law does not specifically require written notice. Oral notice is generally acceptable, though landlords and tenants are both better protected when notice is in writing.

Compare to other states

Texas (Not specified by statute)Washington (48 hours)Arizona (48 hours)District of Columbia (48 hours)Indiana (Reasonable notice)Michigan (Not specified by statute)

See all 51 jurisdictions →