Tennessee (TN) Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

A Tennessee (TN) Month-to-Month Lease Agreement is a standardised contract that outlines the legal arrangement between Owners and Tenants for month-to-month rental agreements in Tennessee. In contrast to fixed-term leases with a specified end date, month-to-month leases renew automatically every month unless one of the parties chooses to end the agreement by giving appropriate notice.

Month-to-Month Leases in Tennessee (TN)

The Month-to-Month Lease Agreement in Tennessee establishes a monthly tenancy permitted under Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-28. The agreement includes clauses for lease termination, rent increases, security deposits, tenant rights, and disclosures. Streamline our free template with provisions that comply with Tennessee’s rental legislation. 

Lease Termination & Renewal

• The Tenant or Owner may terminate this month-to-month lease by providing a written notice thirty (30) days before the intended termination date. This termination period is in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-28-512.
• Renewal of the lease is automatic on a month-to-month basis unless terminated by either party, as outlined above. 

Rent Increases

• The Owner may increase the rent for a month-to-month lease. The Owner must provide thirty (30) days written notice before the rent increase takes effect. 

Security Deposit

• There are no laws in Tennessee that govern a maximum limit for a security deposit. However, it’s fairly standard practice to charge a one to three-month rent as a security deposit across the states.
• The Owner should refund the Security Deposit (in part or whole) upon termination of the lease in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-28-301. 
• Reasons for partial refunds may include costs for repairing Tenant or guest-induced damage, extensive cleaning beyond usual wear and tear, or any unpaid rent, late fees, and utilities.

Tenant Rights

• The Month-to-Month Lease Agreement in Tennessee is protected under the rights of TN law. These rights include the right to a habitable dwelling, the right to withhold rent under certain conditions, and the right to privacy. 
• There are no laws prohibiting the Owner entry to the property at any time without a prior verbal or written notice, especially in emergencies. However, the Owner must provide a legitimate reason for entry, like inspection, agreed-upon repairs, etc. 
• Owners must treat the Tenants with respect irrespective of class, race, gender, etc., in accordance with the Fair Housing Act in Federal Law.

Required Disclosures in Tennessee

In Tennessee, Owners are required to make specific disclosures to Tenants as part of the rental agreement process. These disclosures are essential for ensuring tenant health and safety, maintaining transparency and accountability in landlord-tenant relationships, and complying with legal requirements in Tennessee.

• Lead-Based Paint: The owner must disclose the presence of lead-based paint as per federal law if the property was built before 1978.
• Methamphetamine Contamination: Under Tennessee law, landlords must disclose if the property is known to have been the site of methamphetamine production.
• Owner Identity: Tennessee law requires owners to disclose their identity or the identity of anyone authorised to act on their behalf.

• Security Deposit Location: Owners must inform tenants where the security deposit is held.
• Showings Consent: Owners can show an occupied rental property, provided the agreement explicitly states this right.