Tennessee does not have rent control laws, meaning there is no cap on how much a landlord can raise rent. However, landlords must follow specific guidelines to ensure rent increases are handled fairly and legally. Here are key points tenants should know:
1. Notice Requirements
- Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must provide a 30-day written notice before increasing rent.
- Year-Long Leases: A 60-day notice is typically required for significant rent increases at the end of the lease term.
2. Rent Increase Limits
- There is no state-imposed limit on how much rent can be increased. Landlords can raise rent based on market conditions as long as the increase is not discriminatory or retaliatory.
3. Protections Against Discrimination and Retaliation
- Rent increases cannot be based on discriminatory factors such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
- Increases cannot be retaliatory, meaning they cannot be used as punishment for tenants exercising their legal rights.
4. Lease Terms
- Rent cannot be increased during the fixed term of a lease unless the lease explicitly allows for it.
- Any rent increase must be communicated in writing and must comply with the terms of the lease agreement.
5. Tenant Rights
- Tenants are protected from excessive increases that could be deemed discriminatory or retaliatory.
- Tenants can withhold rent if landlords fail to provide decent living conditions.
6. New Laws and Protections
- Recent legislation requires landlords to provide renters with contact information for property managers, enhancing communication and accountability.
7. Market Considerations
- Rent increases are often influenced by market rates. Landlords typically increase rent by 5 to 15% annually, depending on market conditions.
By understanding these laws and regulations, tenants in Tennessee can better navigate rent increases and ensure their rights are protected.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-tennessee
[2] https://www.justia.com/real-estate/landlord-tenant/information-for-tenants/basic-rent-rules/rent-increases/
[3] https://www.doorloop.com/laws/tennessee-landlord-tenant-rights
[4] https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/environmental/healthy-homes/hh/renters.html
