Tennessee Eviction Notice Templates

A Tennessee eviction notice is sent when a tenant doesn’t follow the lease agreement. It explains what went wrong and gives the tenant a set amount of time to correct the issue. If nothing changes by the deadline, the landlord can move forward with eviction.

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Last updated January 26th, 2026

A Tennessee eviction notice is sent when a tenant doesn’t follow the lease agreement. It explains what went wrong and gives the tenant a set amount of time to correct the issue. If nothing changes by the deadline, the landlord can move forward with eviction.

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By Type

Pay or Quit – Sent when rent is unpaid. It explains the landlord’s intent if the issue continues.

Cure or Quit – Used for lease violations that can be fixed.

Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Ends a monthly rental with notice.

Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – Issued for criminal behavior tied to the rental.

Eviction Laws

  • Rent Grace Period: Rent must be at least 5 days late before late fees may be charged.[1]
  • Non-Payment of Rent: 14 days.[2][3]
  • Non-Compliance: 30 days.[4]
  • Illegal Behavior: 3 days.[5]
  • Prostitution or Drug Violations: Immediate notice required.[6]
  • Termination of Month-to-Month Lease: 30 days.[7]
  • Eviction Lawsuit Type: Forcible entry and detainer.[8]
  • Utility Shutoff – A landlord may not intentionally interrupt essential services such as electricity, water, or heat to force a tenant out. A tenant subjected to this conduct may regain possession, terminate the lease, and recover damages and attorney’s fees.[9]
  • Changing the Locks – Locking a tenant out or otherwise excluding them from the property without a court order is unlawful. Tenants may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and seek damages and attorney’s fees.[9]

 

How to Evict a Tenant in Tennessee (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Serve Written Notice

Before filing in court, the landlord must provide written notice based on the violation:

  • Immediate Notice to Quit: Prostitution or drug-related activity
  • 3-Day Notice to Quit: Illegal behavior
  • 14-Day Notice to Quit: Non-payment of rent
  • 30-Day Notice to Quit: Lease violations or month-to-month termination

Some violations are not curable and require the tenant to vacate by the stated deadline.

Step 2: File a Detainer Summons

If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file a Detainer Summons in the General Sessions Court where the property is located. The court will assign a hearing date. Filing fees vary by county, including:

  • Davidson County: $127.75.[10]
  • Knox County: $191.50.[11]

Step 3: Serve the Tenant

The landlord must arrange for the sheriff to serve the tenant with the Detainer Summons. Proper service is required before the hearing can proceed.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing and Obtain Possession

The hearing will be scheduled at least six days after service. If the tenant fails to appear or the landlord proves their case, the court will issue a Writ of Possession, allowing the sheriff to remove the tenant if necessary.

 

Court Forms & Resources

  • Detainer Summons – Filed by the landlord in General Sessions Court when a tenant fails to vacate after proper notice. This form initiates the eviction case and sets a court hearing.
  • Writ of Possession – Issued after the landlord prevails in court. This document authorizes the sheriff to remove the tenant if they do not vacate voluntarily.

Sources

  1. § 66-28-201(d)
  2. § 66-28-505(a)(2)
  3. § 66-7-109
  4. § 66-7-109(b)
  5. § 66-28-517
  6. § 66-7-107(a)
  7. § 66-28-512(b)
  8. Title 29, Chapter 18 (Forcible Entry and Detainer)
  9. § 66-28-504
  10. Nashville Circuit Court: General Sessions Civil Filing Fees
  11. Knox County General Sessions Court – Civil Division