Tennessee does not have rent control laws at the state or local level. Landlords are legally allowed to raise rent by any amount they choose, and there are no statutory limits on how much or how frequently rent can be increased. The state also prohibits cities and counties from enacting their own rent control ordinances.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
While there is no cap on the amount of a rent increase, landlords must provide proper written notice before raising the rent:
Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
Fixed-Term (Year-Long) Leases: Rent can only be increased at the end of the lease term. Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice if they intend to raise the rent for the next lease period.
Verbal Notice Is Not Sufficient:Â All rent increase notices must be in writing and should specify the new rental amount and the date it will take effect.
When Rent Increases Are Not Allowed
There are some important legal protections for tenants:
During an Active Lease:Â Rent cannot be raised during the term of a fixed lease unless the lease specifically allows for it.
Retaliatory Increases:Â Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights, such as filing a complaint about property conditions.
Discriminatory Increases: Rent increases cannot be based on a tenant’s race, religion, nationality, disability, or other protected class status under federal and state fair housing laws.
Tenant Options When Facing a Rent Increase
Month-to-Month Tenants:Â If you receive a 30-day notice of a rent increase, you are not obligated to accept it. You may choose to move out before the increase takes effect.
Lease Renewal:Â For fixed-term leases, you can negotiate with your landlord before the lease renews or choose not to renew if the new rent is unaffordable.
New Laws for 2025
As of 2025, new transparency laws require landlords in counties with populations over 75,000 to provide renters with contact information for the property manager, the person responsible for maintenance, and an online platform for communication. This is part of the Landlord Transparency Act and aims to improve landlord-tenant relations, but it does not limit rent increases.
Table: Tennessee Rent Increase Rules (2025)
| Lease Type | Notice Required | Limit on Amount | When Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-Month | 30 days | No limit | Anytime with notice |
| Fixed-Term (e.g., 1 yr) | 60 days | No limit | Only at lease renewal |
| During Lease Term | N/A | N/A | Only if lease allows |
Key Takeaways
No rent control:Â Landlords can raise rent by any amount, but must follow notice requirements.
Written notice is mandatory:Â 30 days for month-to-month, 60 days for fixed-term leases.
Protection from retaliation and discrimination:Â Increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory.
New transparency rules:Â Landlords in larger counties must provide contact and communication details to tenants.
Understanding these rules will help Tennessee tenants navigate rent increases and protect their rights in 2025.
Sources
[1] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/tennessee-rent-control-laws/
[2] https://www.doorloop.com/laws/tennessee-landlord-tenant-rights
[3] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-tennessee
[4] https://innago.com/tennessee-landlord-tenant-laws/
[5] https://www.avail.co/education/articles/tennessee-landlord-tenant-laws-overview-for-landlords
