Updated July 26, 2022
A Tennessee lease agreement is a written contract between a landlord and a tenant willing to make monthly payments for the renting of property. The landlord will usually require the tenant’s personal information and consent to run a credit check prior to signing a lease. Once signed, the document is legally binding to both parties.
Table of Contents |
Agreement Types (8)
Association of Realtors
– For standard tenancies in a single-family dwelling.
Download: Adobe PDF
Commercial Lease Agreement
– For business or professional use which space can be defined mostly as an office, retail, or industrial related.
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Farm Lease Agreement
– For a structure and/or land used for the growing and nurturing of crops.
Download: Adobe PDF
Month-to-Month Lease Agreement
(
§ 66-28-512
) – Known also as a tenancy at will that allows the landlord or tenant to cancel the arrangement with at least thirty (30) days’ notice.
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Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
– Residential contract that allows a landlord-tenant arrangement with the added choice of the lessee being able to buy the property.
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Room Rental (Roommate) Agreement
– When the individuals living in the same home agree to the cleaning of common areas and expenses, fees, and utilities to be paid in relation to the residence.
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Standard Residential Lease Agreement
– For a residence with a specified start and end date for the term.
Download: Adobe PDF , MS Word (.docx) , OpenDocument
Sublease Agreement
– The act of a tenant electing someone else to use residential space they have under agreement with the landlord/manager. If required, the landlord will have to grant their consent before authorizing.
Download: Adobe PDF , MS Word (.docx) , OpenDocument
Required Disclosures (3)
Agent/Landlord Identification ( § 66-28-302 ) – The landlord or agent allowed onto the premises must be recognized in the lease agreement. In addition, an official address for legal notices must be in the rental contract as well.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – If the residence was constructed prior to 1978, the landlord will need to complete and both parties will be required to sign.
Showings ( § 66-28-403 ) – If the landlord would like to show to prospective tenants the property before the lessee’s agreement is due it must be stated that the landlord has this right with the last thirty (30) days before the termination date. The landlord must grant at least twenty-four (24) hours per occasion.
Access
There is no law that states the landlord must give notice to the tenant for non-emergency reasons. Although, if it is in the last thirty (30) days of the rental contract and the landlord would like to show the space to a prospective lessee the landlord must provide at least twenty-four (24) hours notice ( § 66-28-403 ).
Security Deposits
Maximum – There is no Statute requiring the landlord to adhere to a cap.
Returning ( § 66-28-301 ) – Funds must be delivered to the tenant within thirty (60) days after they have vacated the premises.
Guides/Handbooks
- Legal Aid of Tennessee – Your Rights as a Tenant
- Tennessee – Your Rights and Duties as a Renter
- Landlord-Tenant Complaints – ACLU
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