Rentwise! Chapter Four -- The Law

Disagreements often arise between tenants and landlords because of a lack of understanding of law and of the rights and responsibilities of both parties. They may end up in court because communication has stopped entirely. It is hoped that the following synopsis of the Uniform Residential Landlord/Tenant Act of Tennessee will help settle disputes in a rational fashion without the necessity of litigation. On the other hand, people should not shy away from hiring an attorney when a clear-cut case of bad faith warrants it. Many times the plaintiff&mdash:whether tenant or landlord—can collect his attorneys fees and court costs from the other party as part of "damages."

This chapter is a simple explanation of basic law; it is not meant to be legal advice. A copy of the Act can be found in the public library in the Tennessee Code Annotated, beginning at Section 66-28-101. The Act pertains only to Bradley, Hamilton, Davidson, Knox and Shelby counties.

The Chattanooga Housing Code is also included in this chapter.

For information on the Federal Fair Housing Act barring discrimination, see Chapter One.

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