Tennessee landlord-tenant law treats bed bug infestations as habitability concerns. Knoxville rental property owners must address infestations promptly when tenants report them, and the Health Department provides guidance.
Although Tennessee has no dedicated state bed bug statute, the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (TCA 66-28) and the Knoxville Property Maintenance Code require rental units to be fit for habitation. Landlords must respond to written notice of bed bug infestations and arrange professional treatment when the infestation predates the tenancy or affects multiple units. Tenants are expected to cooperate by preparing units for treatment and not introducing infested furniture. The Knox County Health Department offers identification guidance but does not provide free extermination. Multi-unit buildings often require treatment of adjacent units to prevent migration.
Landlords ignoring documented bed bug complaints in URLTA-covered counties may face habitability claims, rent escrow, and Environmental Court referral; tenants causing reinfestation can be liable for treatment costs.
See how Knoxville's bed-bug rules rules stack up against other locations.
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