Tennessee Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 13, 2023 by Ashley Porter

Does Tennessee Have Rent Control?

No, Tennessee does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent and state law prohibits local governments
[1]
from establishing their own rent control laws.

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent By in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, landlords can raise the rent for any reason as long as they give proper notice, don’t do so during the fixed term of a lease (unless the lease allows for it), and aren’t doing so for certain discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, landlords cannot raise the rent during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement), for certain discriminatory reasons (like race or age), or for certain retaliatory reasons (such as in response to a tenant requesting repairs).

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to:

• Age
• Race
• Gender (including gender identity)
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Nationality or origin
• Familial status
• Disability

Tennessee law also prevents landlords from increasing rent in retaliation.
[2]
An action by a landlord is considered retaliatory if it occurs after something a tenant does. The law does not specify what time period between the tenant action and rent increase qualifies as retaliation, so landlords should act in good faith when increasing rent.

Rent increases are considered retaliatory
[3]
if they are in response to a tenant action, such as:

• Complaining to the landlord
• Exercising a right granted by law or the lease agreement
• Requesting repairs

How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Tennessee?

Tennessee law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent. Even though Tennessee law has no minimum notice period, it still requires that parties to a contract act in good faith, meaning that a landlord should give the tenant reasonable notice when increasing rent.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Tennessee?

Landlords in Tennessee can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as reasonable notice is provided each time.