EVICTION NOTICES MAY VARY

The type of eviction notice you receive depends on the type of lease violation. Notice must always be in writing and delivered to you or another adult in the house. If it is sent by certified mail—and you fail to sign for it—it is still considered legally "delivered."

TYPE: Cancellation of a month-to-month tenancy. Where there is no lease agreement, a "reason" is not necessary for termination. There may or may not be any violation of your agreement on your part.
TERM: At least 30 days before the next date that rent is due. In many cases this may require more than a 30 day notice. For example: if rent is due on May 1, and you receive your notice on April 20, your final day to be out should be May 30th.

TYPE: Late rent paid on a monthly basis. Note: you may have a grace period of a few days written into your lease. Notice can be delivered immediately after the grace period ends.
TERM: Thirty days unless otherwise stated in your lease. Some larger complexes may use lease language that waives your right to 30 days' written notice. You are presumed "notified" of a pending eviction whenever rent is late. You may get a "demand for full payment" with a due date. After that, you will get a detainer warrant or a letter from an attorney (with legal fees added).

TYPE: Late rent paid on a weekly basis.
TERM: 10 days notice.

TYPE: Some rule of the lease is broken (other than late rent). This could include noise, unauthorized guests, parking, negligent damage or other violation, which should be stated in the notice.
TERM: This is a warning notice. You are given 14 days to correct the situation, but if it happens again within 6 months, you can be evicted with one more 14-day notice.

TYPE: Tenant threatens safety or welfare of other tenants or their property. This could include theft, vandalism, drunk driving, fighting, out-of-control guests, or other acts or threats of violence.
TERM: When serious breakdown occurs, only 3 days notice is required (T.C.A. 66-28-517). There must be a witness to the violation. Remember: you are legally responsible for the behavior of your friends and children. If the landlord has to call the police, you might lose your lease.

TYPE: Sale of narcotics or prostitution on premises (law went into effect July 1997 as the Crack House Bill).
TERM: If neighbors present good evidence of drug dealing or prostitution at a certain address to the District Attorney, he can order the landlord to give you a 10-day eviction notice.