Landlord Won't Make Repairs in Tennessee: What Can I Do?

This is not legal advice. We explain what the law says. We cannot tell you what to do in your situation. For that, talk to a lawyer. Find free legal and rent help in Tennessee.

This page covers what a Tennessee landlord must keep in working order and how to ask for repairs. It covers building inspections and what you can do if repairs are not made. Tennessee has different rules in 17 counties and in all other counties.

An appeals court quoted a rule from the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. A renter may ask for money, a court order making the landlord act, and reasonable lawyer fees. The renter must first give 14 days' written notice of the landlord's failure to follow the lease or the act. Another part of the act may change this rule. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

RenterLaw editorial Tennessee Court of Appeals, Smith v. Meek (7-28-2025), quoting Tenn. Code 66-28-304(a)(2) Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-501(a)
In Memphis, you can file a complaint about unsafe housing with the Department of Housing Code Enforcement. For emergencies such as no running water, no heat or raw sewage, call 901-636-7464.

City of Memphis, Code Enforcement Code Enforcement page
In Memphis, an inspector may refer a dangerous building to the Special Operations Department. Condemnation steps include a first notice by certified mail that the building must be repaired or demolished (torn down). After the city condemns a building, interested parties have 30 calendar days to tear it down or the city will. Tenants may have to leave a condemned building. Think about that before you report. Save texts and emails as well; they are also a record of what you sent.

RenterLaw editorial City of Memphis, Code Enforcement Special Operations

Published by Cameron Monteith · October 9, 2026 · sources checked October 3, 2026

Is something on this page wrong or out of date? Tell us.

More tenant rights in Tennessee