Housing assistance in Tennessee

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Tennessee

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Tennessee

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap on the deposit amount. In URLTA counties (population over 75,000), landlords must keep deposits in a separate account used only for that purpose and tell the tenant where that account is.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301; § 66-28-102(a)

Deposit return deadline

In URLTA counties, the landlord must offer a move-out inspection and give an itemized list of damages with estimated costs that it is charging against the deposit. If a refund is due, the landlord must send notice of the amount to the tenant's last known address, and may keep the money if the tenant does not respond within 60 days. Damage must be discovered within 30 days after the tenant moves out, or 7 days after a new tenant moves in, whichever comes first. The statute sets no fixed number of days for paying the refund.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

In URLTA counties, the landlord must give written notice, and the lease ends if the unpaid rent is not paid within 14 days after the tenant receives it. A repeat breach within 6 months allows termination on 7 days' written notice. If the lease waives notice, the landlord may file for nonpayment right away, but the tenant keeps any grace period under § 66-28-201.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505

Landlord entry notice

No general advance-notice period. Tenants may not unreasonably refuse entry for inspections, repairs, or showings, and the landlord may enter without consent in an emergency. During the last 30 days of a lease, the landlord may show the unit only if the lease allows it and the tenant gets at least 24 hours' notice. These rules apply in URLTA counties.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-403

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control: no local government may enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance that would control the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-35-102(a)

If the landlord won’t make repairs

In URLTA counties, if the landlord fails to provide essential services, the tenant must first give written notice of the problem. The tenant may then buy the essential services and deduct the actual, reasonable cost from rent, recover damages for the reduced rental value, or move to substitute housing and stop paying rent during that time. The tenant must choose one of these remedies for each breach.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-502

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Tennessee

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Tennessee resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Tenn. Code § 66-28-102 (URLTA applicability)FindLaw (statute mirror)
2. Tenn. Code § 66-28-301 (Security deposits)FindLaw (statute mirror)
3. Tenn. Code § 66-28-505 (Tenant noncompliance)FindLaw (statute mirror)
4. Tenn. Code § 66-28-403 (Access)FindLaw (statute mirror)
5. Tenn. Code § 66-35-102 (Rent control prohibited)FindLaw (statute mirror)
6. Tenn. Code § 66-28-502 (Failure to supply essential services)FindLaw (statute mirror)
7. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Tennessee Housing Development Agency
8. Down Payment AssistanceTennessee Housing Development Agency
9. Help For RentersTennessee Housing Development Agency
10. About THDATennessee Housing Development Agency
11. HELP4TNTennessee Alliance for Legal Services
12. MDHAMetropolitan Development and Housing Agency
13. KCDCKnoxville's Community Development Corporation
14. Chattanooga Housing AuthorityChattanooga Housing Authority