Tennessee Statewide Rule

Tennessee Landlord Entry and Notice Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Tennessee (2026)

Key Facts

Entry notice: 24 hours for end-of-lease showings (66-28-403)
Emergency entry: Allowed without notice or consent
Tenant duty: May not unreasonably withhold consent
Applies in: Counties over 75,000 population (URLTA)

Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

In URLTA counties, a Tennessee landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering to show the unit to prospective tenants in the last 30 days of tenancy, may enter without notice in an emergency, and the tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent for inspections and repairs.

(e) The landlord has no right of access to the premises except: (1) By court order; (2) As permitted by this section, §§ 66-28-506 and 66-28-507(b); (3) If the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises; (4) If the tenant is deceased, incapacitated or incarcerated; or (5) Within the final thirty (30) days of the termination of the rental agreement for the purpose of showing the premises to prospective tenants; provided, that such right of access is set forth in the rental agreement and notice is given to the tenant at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to entry.

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Full Breakdown

Tenn. Code 66-28-403 governs access in counties over 75,000 population (where the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies). The statute states the landlord "may enter the premises without consent of the tenant in case of emergency." For showings to prospective tenants within the final 30 days of the rental agreement, the landlord may enter if the lease grants access "and notice is given to the tenant at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to entry." The tenant "shall not unreasonably withhold consent" for inspections, repairs, and showings, and the landlord "shall not abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant." Counties below 75,000 follow common-law/lease terms.

Violations & Penalties

A tenant in a URLTA county may obtain injunctive relief to stop unlawful or harassing entry and recover damages and reasonable attorney's fees; abuse of access may also support termination.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice must a Tennessee landlord give before entering?

Under 66-28-403 (URLTA counties), at least 24 hours' notice is required to enter for showings in the last 30 days of the lease. Emergencies require no notice. The statute does not set a fixed hour-count for routine repairs, but entry must be reasonable and non-harassing.

Can a Tennessee landlord enter without permission?

Yes in a genuine emergency, defined as a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action. Otherwise the tenant must consent, but may not unreasonably withhold consent for inspections, repairs, or showings.

Do these entry rules apply everywhere in Tennessee?

No. Section 66-28-403 is part of URLTA, which applies only in counties with more than 75,000 people. Smaller counties rely on the lease and common law.

Sources

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