Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Nashville

Nashville, TN Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
Complaint filed with codes administration
Unfit-dwelling threshold
5 citizen complainants, or MDHA
Enforcing agency
Dept. of Codes Administration
Coverage
Countywide (General Services District)

Summary

Codes Administration inspects a rental unit once a complaint is filed with the department, under the Property Standards Code covering all of Metro Nashville and Davidson County.

Inspections shall be made: Upon a complaint being filed with the department, except that in the case of a dwelling or structure alleged to be unfit for human occupation or use, the complaint of five citizens or the MDHA is required, or any other public authority; may be made upon a request for special inspection...

View official code

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

Metro's Property Standards Code has the codes administration director inspect buildings, structures and premises for compliance. Routine inspections follow a planned systematic program, but Metropolitan Code of Laws § 16.24.100(C) also triggers an inspection whenever a complaint is filed with the department. A dwelling alleged unfit for human occupation needs five citizen complainants, or a complaint from MDHA or another public authority, before the director inspects. Inspectors may also act on their own visual observation of a violation. This applies countywide, not just the Urban Services District.

Violations & Fines

Owners or occupants who refuse the director entry or interfere with an inspection are guilty of a violation under § 16.24.110(B).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get Metro to inspect my rental unit?
File a complaint with the Department of Codes Administration; § 16.24.100(C) authorizes an inspection once a complaint is on file.
Is a single complaint enough to force an inspection?
Yes for ordinary property standards complaints; a dwelling alleged unfit for occupancy needs five citizen complainants or MDHA.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Nashville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsInspection ProgramsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Nashville rules

Compare Nashville to another location·View the Tennessee rental inspections overview

Get notified when Tenant Complaint Process in Nashville, TN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.