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Rent Control Laws in Tennessee

Tennessee has no statewide rent cap, and state law bars local governments from controlling the amount of rent on private residential or commercial property.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Tennessee at a glance

Statewide rent cap
No
No state statute capping private residential rent was found.
Local rent control banned
Yes, banned by state law
Local governments also may not require below market rent units, though voluntary incentive programs are allowed.
Local rent control
None, state law bars local rent control

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Tennessee

Does Tennessee have a statewide rent cap?

No. Statewide rent cap in Tennessee: no. No state statute capping private residential rent was found.

Does Tennessee law ban cities from adopting rent control?

Yes, banned by state law. Local rent control banned in Tennessee: yes, banned by state law. Local governments also may not require below market rent units, though voluntary incentive programs are allowed.

Which cities in Tennessee have rent control?

Local rent control in Tennessee: None, state law bars local rent control.

Where do the Tennessee rent control laws come from?

The rules above come from Tenn. Code 66-35-102. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Even where there is no rent control, a landlord usually cannot raise the rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it. Increases normally take effect at renewal or after written notice for a month-to-month tenancy, and notice periods are set by state law.

Rent caps and rent stabilization rules commonly have exemptions, such as buildings built in recent years, owner-occupied duplexes, or units owned by individuals rather than companies. A unit can sit in a covered city and still be exempt, so read the coverage section of the law closely.

Local rent control ordinances change through ballot measures and council votes more often than state law does. If you rent or own property in a city that regulates rent, check the city or county housing department for the current allowable increase and any registration requirements.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.