When a renter in Tennessee can’t obtain necessary repairs, before beginning a court case it’s usually possible to file a report with the proper government departments about the unsafe conditions on the property. Code inspectors have the power to order repairs or fine noncompliant landlords.
NOTE: Tennessee’s Uniform Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (URLTA) applies only to counties with a population of more than 75,000. This covers about 75% of tenants in Tennessee. In all other counties, the lease, locally applicable laws, and local common law will control disputes.
As of the publication of this article, these are the counties where the URLTA does apply: Anderson, Blount, Bradley, Davidson, Greene, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Maury, Montgomery, Rutherford, Sevier, Shelby, Sullivan, Sumner, Washington, Williamson, and Wilson.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Required utilities (usually but not always including heating, plumbing, and hot water).
- Garbage containers and removal (except in single-family dwellings and duplexes).
- Window screens, as required.
- Stove and refrigerator, if provided.
- Common areas.
- Features that affect health, safety, or habitability.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Tennessee?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in Tennessee must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask him to fix it within 14 days.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Tennessee?
Tenants in Tennessee should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Nashville | Property Standards Division | Online Form |
| Memphis | Code Enforcement | Online Form |
| Knoxville | Neighborhood Codes Enforcement | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Nashville?
A tenant in Nashville can report a health or safety violation by calling the Property Standards Division at (615) 862-6590 or using the provided online form. Select a location, detail the issue as indicated, enter contact information, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Memphis?
A tenant in Memphis can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (901) 636-7464 or using the provided online form. Most issues fall under “Substandard, Derelict Struc [sic] (Residential Property).” Attach photos if available, describe the issue, provide contact information (optional), and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Knoxville?
A tenant in Knoxville can report a health or safety violation by calling Neighborhood Codes Enforcement at (865) 215-4311 or using the provided online form. Enter a location, describe the issue in detail, provide contact information, and submit.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Tennessee?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Tennessee, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 Tenn. Dep’t of Health, Healthy Homes - Renters
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See Tenn. Dep’t of Health, Healthy Homes – Renters (retrieved 03/26/2023). For a basic outline of some applicable laws outside URLTA jurisdiction, see also Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Your Rights as a Tenant Under Common Law in Rural East Tennessee Counties (2011)
Source Link - 2 Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-304(a) (2023)
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“The landlord shall: (1) Comply with requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; (2) Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition; (3) Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; and (4) In multi-unit complexes of four (4) or more units, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish and other waste from common points of collection subject to § 66-28-401(3) [tenant’s obligation to dispose of garbage].”
Source Link - 3 Tenn. Admin. Code § 1200-1-2.02(2) (2002)
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“Where water under pressure is available every dwelling unit shall have a tub or shower and a flush water closet located in a room affording privacy and lavatory properly connected with hot and cold water supply pipes and sewer system approved by the health department. Where water under pressure is not available, a sanitary pit privy shall be provided.”
Source Link - 4 Tenn. Admin. Code § 1200-1-2.02(1)(b) (2002)
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“Every dwelling unit shall have a space in which food may be prepared and/or cooked which shall be equipped with the following except where central food service is provided by the owner: A stove, or similar device for cooking food, and a refrigerator or similar device for the safe storage of food… provided that such stove, refrigerator and/or similar devices need not be installed when the occupant is expected to provide same on occupancy, and that sufficient space and adequate connections for the safe and efficient installation and operation of a stove, refrigerator and/or similar devices are provided.”
Source Link - 5 Tenn. Admin. Code § 1200-1-2.05(5) & (5)(c) (2002)
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“The landlord of multiple dwellings [more than two units] must provide two (2) garbage cans per dwelling unit with a capacity of at least twenty (20) gallons each and not more than thirty-two (32) gallons each. Bulk containers that can be emptied mechanically may be used in lieu of garbage cans when service is available for emptying such containers. These containers shall have a capacity of 1/4 cubic yard per dwelling unit… [and] shall be emptied at least one (1) time per week.”
Source Link - 6 Tenn. Admin. Code § 1200-1-2.05(2) (2002)
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“During that portion of the year when there is a need for protection against mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects, every door opening directly from a dwelling unit to outside space shall have supplied properly fitting screens having at least sixteen (16) mesh and self-closing devices; and every window or other device with openings to outdoor space, used or intended to be used for ventilation, shall likewise be supplied with screens, except that such screens shall not be required (a) in rooms in the upper stories of a building free from such insects (b) in rooms located in areas which are deemed by the health department to have so few insects as to render screens unnecessary.”
Source Link - 7 Tenn. Admin. Code § 1200-1-2.05(3) (2002)
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“Every window located at or near ground level used or intended to be used for ventilation, and every other opening located at or near ground level which might provide an entry for rodents, shall be supplied with adequate screen or such other devices as will effectively prevent their entrance in areas with heavy rat infestations as determined by the health department.”
Source Link - 8 Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-501(a) (2023)
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“Except as provided in this chapter, the tenant may recover damages, obtain injunctive relief and recover reasonable attorney’s fees for any noncompliance by the landlord with the rental agreement or any section of this chapter upon giving fourteen (14) days’ written notice.”
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