Tennessee Lease Agreement Templates

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What’s Included in Tennessee Lease Forms

Lease Template Updated September 16, 2024

A residential lease agreement in Tennessee is a vital legal document that clearly defines rental terms, payment details, property rules, and the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It protects the landlord's interests while ensuring compliance with Tennessee laws.

Our form includes:

Parties Identification

Lease Term

Rent Payment Terms

Security Deposit

Maintenance Responsibilities

State-Specific Disclosures

State-Specific Notices

Disclosures and Addenda for Tennessee

These disclosures and addenda ensure compliance with state laws and protect both landlords and tenants.

Disclosure

Landlord's Name and Address <p>Landlords must provide tenants with their name and address, as well as the name and address of any authorized agents managing the property. This information should be included in the lease agreement or provided separately in writing.</p>
Lead Paint - Know Presence <p>Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed.</p>
Lead Paint - No Know Presence <p>Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978.</p>
Condition of the Premises <p>Landlords are required to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. This includes making necessary repairs and keeping common areas safe and clean.</p>
Late/Returned Fees <p>Tennessee law allows landlords to charge late fees if rent is five or more days late. The maximum fee cannot exceed 10% of the amount past due.</p>
Mold Disclosure <p>Tennessee law does not require landlords to disclose the presence of mold. Nonetheless, maintaining the property to prevent mold growth falls under the landlord's duty to provide habitable premises.</p>
Non-Refundable Fees <p>Landlords must clearly disclose any non-refundable fees in the lease agreement to enforce them</p>
Smoking <p>Landlords are encouraged to specify smoking policies within the lease agreement, indicating whether smoking is permitted on the premises and, if so, any restrictions or designated areas.</p>
Security Deposit Disclosure <p>&nbsp;Landlords must inform tenants of the location and details of the bank or financial institution where the security deposit is held.&nbsp;</p>
Flood Hazard Disclosure <p>Tennessee law does not mandate landlords to disclose if a property is in a flood zone; however, it's considered good practice to inform tenants of potential flood risks.</p>
Radon Disclosure <p>Tennessee does not require radon disclosures.<br>However, if a landlord is aware of elevated radon levels, it is prudent to inform tenants to ensure transparency and safety.</p>
Bed Bugs Disclosure <p>While Tennessee law does not explicitly require landlords to disclose bed bug infestations, they are obligated to maintain rental properties free from pests, including bed bugs.</p>

Addenda

Pet Agreement <p>Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits.</p>
Medical Marijuana <p>Tennessee does not have a legal framework permitting medical marijuana—only very limited CBD products with minimal THC are allowed. Therefore, landlords should indeed include clear policies in their lease agreements addressing the use and possession of marijuana on the premises to ensure compliance with state law and protect their property rules.</p>
Shared Utilities <p>Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities.</p>
Carbon Monoxide Alarm <p>Tennessee law does not require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties.</p>

Landlord’s Name and Address

Applicable to all Tennessee rentals.

Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 66, Chapter 28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) mandates that landlords must disclose their full name and address in the lease agreement to ensure proper legal correspondence. 

Landlord Requirements:

  • Provide the name and address of the landlord or property manager in the lease.
  • Update tenants with any changes in writing.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Applicable to Tennessee rentals built before 1978.

Tennessee follows federal Title X regulations, requiring landlords to notify tenants of any known lead-based paint hazards in pre-1978 rental properties. These disclosures help tenants understand the potential risks associated with lead exposure. 

Landlord Requirements:

  • Provide tenants with a completed lead-based paint disclosure form.
  • Distribute the EPA-approved lead hazard pamphlet.
  • Disclose any prior reports on lead-based paint in the unit.

Condition of the Premises

Guidelines for Maintaining Rental Property Standards

The lease must document the property’s condition to protect both parties, in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-28-304. This ensures clarity on pre-existing issues and responsibilities during and after the lease.

Landlord Requirements:

  • Inspect the rental unit before tenant move-in.
  • Provide a written record of property conditions.
  • Ensure the property meets habitability requirements under Tennessee law.

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