Nashville, TN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Codes Administration
- Appeal body
- Board of Property Standards and Appeals
- Appeal deadline
- 20 days from service
- Repair cost threshold
- 50% of assessed value
- Penalty for noncompliance
- Misdemeanor
Summary
Metro's Department of Codes Administration can order owners of dwellings unfit for habitation to repair, vacate, or demolish them under Metropolitan Code of Laws § 16.24.590, following a formal complaint, hearing, and appeal process.
If, after such notice and hearing, as provided in Section 16.24.580, the director or the director's authorized agent determines that the dwelling or structure under consideration is unfit for human habitation, occupation, or use, the individual making the determination shall state in writing the findings of fact in support of such determination and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner thereof an order:
1.If the repair, alteration, or improvement of such dwelling, structure or accessory dwelling or structure can be made at a cost not to exceed fifty percent of the value of the dwelling or structure, requiring the owner, within the time specified in the order, to repair, alter or improve such building or structure to render it fit for human habitation, occupation or use, or to vacate and close the building or structure
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53 | Charter: Republication 9).
Full Breakdown
The Metro Council found that dilapidated, fire-hazardous, or unsanitary dwellings and structures endanger residents, and directed the Department of Codes Administration to enforce Metropolitan Code Chapter 16.24, Article VI under state authority (T.C.A. § 13-21-101 et seq.). After a complaint and hearing, the director orders repair if it costs no more than 50% of the tax-assessed value; costlier structures are ordered removed or demolished, with the Vacant Property Review Commission notified first. Unpaid repair or demolition costs become a lien on the property, collected the same way as delinquent property taxes.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a repair, vacate, or demolition order is a misdemeanor under § 16.24.660, and the city can also place a lien on the property for its repair or demolition costs plus a $725 administrative fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Nashville building 'unfit for habitation'?
Can I appeal a Nashville repair or demolition order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashville
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