Tennessee Eviction Notice Requirements

Under Tenn. Code 66-28-505, applicable in counties over 75,000 population where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies, a landlord gives written notice of a breach, and "if the breach is not remedied within fourteen (14) days after receipt of such notice, the rental agreement shall terminate." This 14-day cure covers nonpayment of rent and other remediable breaches such as repairs or damages; non-remediable breaches terminate on a date not less than 14 days after notice. For serious violations (violent acts, dangerous or hazardous conduct), Tenn. Code 66-28-517 allows termination on 3 days' written notice. Tennessee law does not provide a 30-day cure period; after termination the landlord must pursue a court detainer warrant rather than self-help eviction.

A landlord who removes a tenant without proper notice and a court judgment may face liability for wrongful or self-help eviction, including damages; only a court-ordered detainer warrant permits removal.