Download Free Lease Agreement Template for Tennessee

Residential or commercial property rental contract

Sales Tax: 7%Notary: $5Witnesses: 2

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RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
State of Tennessee

This Lease Agreement is entered into on [DATE] between:

LANDLORD:
Name: [LANDLORD NAME]
Address: [LANDLORD ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], TN [ZIP]

TENANT:
Name: [TENANT NAME]
Address: [CURRENT ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], TN [ZIP]

PROPERTY ADDRESS:
[RENTAL PROPERTY ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], TN [ZIP]

LEASE TERMS:
1. Term: This lease begins on [START DATE] and ends on [END DATE].
2. Rent: $[AMOUNT] per month, due on the [DAY] of each month.
3. Security Deposit: $[AMOUNT] (subject to Tennessee security deposit laws).
4. Late Fees: $[AMOUNT] if rent is not received within [DAYS] days of due date.

TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain the property in good condition
- Pay all utilities as agreed
- Comply with all Tennessee tenant obligations
- Provide [NOTICE PERIOD] days notice before vacating

LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain habitable conditions per Tennessee law
- Make necessary repairs in a timely manner
- Respect tenant's right to quiet enjoyment
- Follow Tennessee eviction procedures if necessary

This agreement is governed by Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Law (TN Statutes § [RELEVANT SECTIONS]).

LANDLORD SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
TENANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
    

FAQ: Lease Agreement in Tennessee

Is a Lease Agreement required in Tennessee?

Yes, in Tennessee, a Lease Agreement is required for most transactions of this type. Under Tennessee State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Lease Agreement may result in legal complications.

Does a Lease Agreement need to be notarized in Tennessee?

Notarization requirements in Tennessee (TN) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Lease Agreement in Tennessee?

Tennessee has a base sales tax rate of 7%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Lease Agreement, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Tennessee tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

What should be included in a lease agreement?

A lease agreement should include: names of landlord and tenant, property address, lease term, rent amount and due date, security deposit amount, maintenance responsibilities, rules and restrictions, and signatures of all parties. State-specific requirements may apply.

How much security deposit can a landlord charge?

Security deposit limits vary by state. Some states limit deposits to one or two months' rent, while others have no limit. The deposit must typically be returned within 15-60 days after the lease ends, minus any legitimate deductions for damages.

Can a landlord enter my rental property without notice?

No, most states require landlords to provide advance notice (typically 24-48 hours) before entering a rental property, except in emergencies. The lease agreement should specify the notice period and acceptable reasons for entry.

Where to File Your Lease Agreement in Tennessee

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Lease Agreement.

Tennessee County Clerk

Tennessee Capital

Main Government Building, Tennessee

District County Clerk

Tennessee Metro Area

County Courthouse, TN

Lease Agreement Costs in Tennessee

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Tennessee standard rate: $5
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Tennessee
Sales Tax7%Tennessee base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement2 witnessesTennessee requires multiple witnesses
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Tennessee-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.
MCE
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Michael Chen, Esq.

Real Estate Law Consultant

Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert

Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation

This Lease Agreement template for Tennessee has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Tennessee Lease Agreement Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Lease Agreement is legally valid in Tennessee.

Security deposit limit applies
Lead paint disclosure required
Landlord must provide move-in checklist
Tenant has right to repair and deduct
Late fee cap enforced
Lease must state rent amount
Notice period for termination required
Landlord must return deposit within 30 days
Mold disclosure required
Rent control may apply

Tennessee Notarization

Tennessee requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $5.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Tennessee, a 7% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Tennessee law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Tennessee Filing Deadlines

Check Tennessee deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

Tennessee Lease Agreement Legal Guide

According to Tennessee laws, this agreement holds legal weight once properly signed and notarized, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Under Tennessee State Code, residents of Tennessee must ensure this Lease Agreement complies with all state requirements. The current sales tax rate is 7%, and notarization costs between $5. Two witnesses are mandatory in TN.

This document offers comprehensive legal protection tailored specifically to Tennessee's unique statutory framework.

landlordtenantmonthly rentsecurity depositlease termrental propertylease contractrental agreementtenancy
A properly executed Lease Agreement in Tennessee protects all parties involved and ensures compliance with TN state law. Below, we cover the critical steps, common pitfalls, and state-specific rules you should be aware of before signing.

Pro Tips for Tennessee Residents

- **Use blue or black ink** when signing physical copies in Tennessee
- **Keep digital backups** of all signed documents
- **Check for local county requirements** that may apply in addition to TN state law
- **Don't backdate** — Tennessee courts view backdated documents unfavorably
- **Consult an attorney** for transactions exceeding $10,000 in value

How Tennessee Courts View This Document

Tennessee courts apply TN statutory standards when evaluating a Lease Agreement. Judges look for: clear language, proper identification of parties, lawful purpose, and correct execution formalities. Meeting these standards ensures your document will be upheld if ever challenged.

How to Complete This Form

Start by gathering all necessary information: party names, addresses, and relevant details specific to your transaction. Tennessee law under TN requires accuracy in every field. Once completed, have all parties review the document before signing. Depending on the transaction type, Tennessee may require notarization or witness signatures.

Meeting Tennessee's Legal Threshold

For your Lease Agreement to hold up in a Tennessee court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. TN law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Document Information

Document
Lease Agreement
State
Tennessee (TN)
Category
Real Estate
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
7%
Notary Fee
$5

Tennessee Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Landlord-Tenant Law

  • Written lease recommended for terms over 1 year
  • Security deposit regulations vary by state
  • Landlord must maintain habitable conditions
  • Check local housing authority for specific rules

📊 Lease Agreement vs. Rental Agreement in Tennessee

Lease Agreement
Rental Agreement
Lease is typically 6-12 months or longer
Rental is usually month-to-month
Tennessee security deposit laws apply to both
Tennessee requires 2 witnesses for lease execution
Comparison based on Tennessee state law. Requirements may vary by county.

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Tennessee may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.