Tennessee Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Tennessee Rental Lease Agreement Templates

A Tennessee lease agreement formalizes the terms under which a landlord rents a property to a tenant. It specifies the monthly rent, lease duration, deposit requirements, maintenance obligations, and any rules that apply to the property.

Tennessee does not impose a statutory cap on late fees and does not require landlords to offer a grace period for rent. Landlords must disclose the name and address of the property owner or authorized management agent at the start of the tenancy.

Download
PDF
Tennessee Rental Lease Agreement Templates preview
0 | 0 Ratings 5,640 Downloads Last updated April 9th, 2026
  1. Home /
  2. Lease Agreements /
  3. Tennessee

Types (6)

Commercial Lease Agreement (Form F69) (PDF)

Provided by the Tennessee Association of Realtors; solely for use in renting out real estate to businesses.

 

Lease to Own Agreement (PDF)

A 6-page contract that allows a homeowner to set a purchase price for their property (in addition to leasing it). At the end of the lease, the tenant(s) have the option to purchase the rented dwelling — but not the requirement.

 

Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

A lease that exists 30 days at a time, after which it renews automatically. Unlike a standard lease, either the lessor or lessee(s) can end the contract with 1 month of notice.

 

Roommate Agreement (PDF)

Created collaboratively by all roommates in a shared rental dwelling so that they can come to terms on important topics such as utility payments, rules on guests, cleaning, and more.

 

Standard Residential Lease Agreement

The most comprehensive lease offered for renting out residential property. Created by the Tennessee Association of Realtors to comply with all state lease laws.

 

Sublease Agreement (PDF)

Created with the purpose of leasing an already-rented property to another tenant, allowing the original tenant to vacate the rental.

 

Renting in Tennessee

Most Common Rental Type Apartments
Average Rent $1,284/mo
Households That Rent 33.2%
Average Renter Household Size 2.2
Rental Vacancy Rate 8.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2024)[1] & Housing Vacancy Survey (2024)[2]

What is a Tennessee Lease Agreement?

A Tennessee lease agreement is a binding contract that covers the terms of a rental between a property owner and tenant. It records the rent, maintenance duties, and conditions under which either party may end the tenancy.

Tennessee’s Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to maintain rental units in safe and habitable condition.[5] Landlords must also comply with all applicable building and housing codes and must make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from the tenant.

State Laws & Guides

Laws: Title 66, Ch. 28 – “Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act”

Landlord-Tenant Guides / Handbooks

When is Rent Due?

Rent is due at the time and place agreed upon by both parties to the lease.[3] Unless there is an agreement to the contrary, rent must be paid at the beginning of each month in equal installments. State law mandates that tenants are granted a 5-day grace period for missed rent before a late fee can be charged.

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Landlords can enter without notice in emergency situations.[4]

Non-Emergency: The landlord can access the rental property to make repairs, alterations, let in workers, and show the property to potential tenants. For showings, at least 24 hours’ notice must be given.[4]

Landlord’s Duties

The duties of landlords are as follows:[5]

  1. Conduct any repairs necessary to keep the property in a livable condition.
  2. Keep common areas clean and safe.
  3. Comply with applicable housing and building codes that relate to health and safety.
  4. For multi-unit properties with 4 or more rentals, provide tenants with a means of disposing of their trash (appropriate receptacles and arranging for pickup).

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants are responsible for upholding the following:[6]

  1. Take good care of the property: refrain from deliberately or negligently damaging it, throw away all garbage appropriately, and keep it reasonably clean.
  2. Do not disturb neighboring tenants.
  3. Maintain compliance with applicable building and housing codes.

Required Disclosures

  • Lead Paint Disclosure – It is mandatory for landlords to disclose any known lead paint hazards in rental dwellings built before 1978. Landlords must also provide tenants with the government-issued pamphlet on lead-based hazards in the home.
  • Showings[4] – Landlords looking to show the rental within the final 30 days of the lease must provide at least 24 hours of notice prior to entry, so long as the landlord’s right is clearly outlined in the lease agreement.

Security Deposits

Maximum: There is no maximum deposit amount stipulated by state law.

Returning to Tenant: The landlord must return any security deposit within 30 days of the tenant vacating the rental or 7 days after a new tenant moves in to the rental unit.[7]

Deposit Interest: No statute.