Tennessee Required Disclosures: New 2025 Transparency Act
Stay compliant with Tennessee landlord disclosures, including the new 2025 Landlord Transparency Act requirements for owner contact information.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Under the foundational authority of the Tennessee Constitution (effective 1796), Tennessee requires landlords to provide specific information to tenants, both to comply with federal regulations and state law. The landscape shifted significantly on January 1, 2025, with the implementation of the Landlord Transparency Act (House Bill 1814).
1. Landlord Transparency Act (Effective Jan 1, 2025)
Passed by the Tennessee legislature to combat "faceless" corporate landlords, HB 1814 imposes strict new communication requirements specifically on landlords operating within URLTA counties (populations over 75,000, including Davidson, Shelby, Knox, Hamilton, etc.).
For all new leases, amendments, or renewals beginning in 2025, the landlord MUST provide the tenant with written notice detailing the following:
- Owner Contact Info: The name, phone number, and a direct email address for the property owner.
- Agent Contact Info: If applicable, the name, phone number, and email address of the property management company.
- Emergency Contact: A dedicated 24-hour after-hours emergency phone number.
- Maintenance Contact: A dedicated phone number or email address specifically for submitting maintenance requests.
2. Security Deposit Location Disclosure
Under Tennessee law, a landlord cannot simply deposit a tenant's security funds into their general operating account. The deposit must be held in a separate, dedicated account within a federally regulated financial institution in Tennessee.
- The Disclosure: The landlord must disclose in writing to the tenant the exact name and location of the bank/institution where the security deposit is being held.
3. Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
In compliance with federal law (EPA and HUD regulations), landlords of properties built prior to 1978 must provide:
- The official EPA informational pamphlet ("Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home").
- A written disclosure of any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards on the property.
- A signed addendum attached to the lease acknowledging the disclosure.
4. Move-In Condition Report (URLTA Counties)
Under T.C.A. § 66-28-301, if a landlord in a URLTA county intends to collect a security deposit, they must provide the tenant with a written report on the condition of the premises upon move-in. The tenant has the right to inspect the premises and confirm the accuracy of the report before signing it.
5. Showings and Right of Entry
If a tenant gives notice to move out, the landlord naturally wants to show the unit to prospective new renters. However, in Tennessee, the landlord only has the legal right to enter the unit for this purpose during the final 30 days of the rental agreement if this right is explicitly stated in the lease agreement.
6. Non-Liability for Tenant Property
Landlords must inform tenants in writing that the landlord is not responsible for, and does not provide, fire or casualty insurance covering the tenant's personal property (strongly incentivizing the tenant to purchase Renter's Insurance).
How Landager Helps
Managing Tennessee properties across different URLTA and non-URLTA counties requires precision. Landager automates the mandatory 5-day grace period calculation while ensuring your late fees never exceed the 10% statutory cap. Whether you're managing Nashville portfolios or smaller rural units, Landager generates compliant notice forms and tracks security deposits in accordance with T.C.A. § 66-28-301, keeping you audit-ready and legally protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must Tennessee landlords provide to tenants?
Tennessee landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the Tennessee landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
Residential landlord-tenant relationships in Tennessee are unique because the state operates on a two-tiered legal system. Understanding which set of laws applies to your property is the first, critical step to ensuring compliance. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Tennessee eviction process and how long does it take?
The Tennessee eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Tennessee. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Tennessee security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Tennessee has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Tennessee rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Tennessee has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Tennessee has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Tennessee?
Tennessee has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Tennessee state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Tennessee lease requirements for rental properties?
Tennessee recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Tennessee law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Tennessee landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Tennessee landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
Read the complete guide📬 Get notified when these laws change
We'll email you when landlord-tenant laws update in No spam — only law changes.
