Tennessee Habitability and Landlord Duties

Under Tenn. Code 66-28-304 (applicable in counties over 75,000 population, where URLTA applies), the landlord must "comply with requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety" and "make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition." The landlord must "keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition," and in complexes of four or more units must provide receptacles for garbage and waste removal. Enforcement runs through 66-28-501 and following: after 14 days' written notice of a material defect that is not cured, the tenant may terminate, recover damages, obtain injunctive relief, and recover reasonable attorney's fees.

After 14 days' written notice without cure, the tenant may terminate the lease, sue for damages, obtain injunctive relief, and recover reasonable attorney's fees; prepaid rent and deposits owed must be returned on termination for noncompliance.