Tennessee Statewide Rule

Tennessee Lease Termination Notice

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Tennessee (2026)

Key Facts

Month-to-month: 30 days' written notice (66-28-512)
Week-to-week: 10 days' written notice
Fixed-term lease: Ends on stated date; no extra notice unless lease requires
Applies in: Counties over 75,000 population (URLTA)

Last verified: September 5, 2026

Summary

In URLTA counties, Tenn. Code 66-28-512 lets either party end a month-to-month tenancy with at least 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date, and a week-to-week tenancy with at least 10 days' written notice. Fixed-term leases end on their stated date.

(a) The landlord or the tenant may terminate a week-to-week tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least ten (10) days prior to the termination date specified in the notice. (b) The landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least thirty (30) days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice.

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Full Breakdown

Tenn. Code 66-28-512, part of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (applicable only in counties having more than 75,000 population), governs ending periodic tenancies. The statute provides that "the landlord or the tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by a written notice given to the other at least thirty (30) days prior to the periodic rental date specified in the notice." For week-to-week tenancies, at least 10 days' written notice is required. A fixed-term lease ends automatically on its expiration date without separate notice unless the lease requires it. In counties below the 75,000 threshold, common-law notice rules and the lease terms apply instead.

Violations & Penalties

Terminating without the required 30-day (or 10-day) notice can make the termination ineffective for that rental period; a party that vacates early without notice may remain liable for rent through a properly noticed end date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice to end a month-to-month lease in Tennessee?

Under 66-28-512 (URLTA counties), either party gives at least 30 days' written notice before the periodic rental date. Week-to-week tenancies require at least 10 days' notice.

Does a fixed-term lease need a termination notice in Tennessee?

No. A fixed-term lease ends automatically on its expiration date. Notice is only needed if the lease itself requires it or to stop automatic renewal.

Do these notice periods apply statewide?

No. Section 66-28-512 is part of URLTA and applies only in counties with more than 75,000 residents; smaller counties follow common law and the lease.

Sources

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