What is the eviction process in Tennessee?

Tennessee eviction is split between counties that have adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA — counties with 75,000+ population) and non-URLTA counties.

1. Notice

Nonpayment (URLTA counties): 14-day notice to pay or vacate (T.C.A. § 66-28-505). Tenant may cure by paying within 14 days.

Nonpayment (non-URLTA counties): No statutory notice required beyond demand under common law; many leases require notice.

Material lease breach (URLTA): 14-day notice to cure (T.C.A. § 66-28-505(a)). If breach repeats within 6 months, immediate termination notice.

Health & safety violation: 3-day notice (T.C.A. § 66-28-517).

No-cause month-to-month termination: 30 days (T.C.A. § 66-28-512).

2. Filing the Detainer Warrant

Landlord files a Detainer Warrant in General Sessions Court (or Circuit Court) of the county where the property sits. Filing fee is approximately $135-$200.

3. Service and Hearing

Sheriff serves the warrant. Hearing must be held at least 6 days after service (T.C.A. § 29-18-117).

4. Trial

Informal hearing before a general sessions judge. No jury at this level (jury available on appeal). Tenant may pay rent in full plus costs to defeat nonpayment claim at any time before judgment.

5. Judgment and Appeal

General sessions judge enters judgment immediately. Either party may appeal de novo to Circuit Court within 10 days by paying costs and posting bond (T.C.A. § 27-5-108). Tenant in possession must post a possessory bond (one year's rent, T.C.A. § 29-18-130).

6. Writ of Possession

If no appeal, writ of possession issues after the 10-day appeal period. Sheriff executes the writ.

7. Tenant Defenses (URLTA counties)

Material noncompliance by landlord with rent abatement (T.C.A. § 66-28-501), retaliation (T.C.A. § 66-28-514), security deposit violations, illegal lockout (T.C.A. § 66-28-504 — actual damages and attorney's fees), and improper notice.

This is legal information, not legal advice.