Tennessee Department of Health, If You Rent a Place, Know Your Legal Rights and Duties

signed by the landlord and • You have the right
says it was for rent. Save to live peacefully in
all rent receipts. If you pay by check, save the the place you rent.
returned checks. If you pay by money order The landlord can’t
or cashier’s check, save your receipt. Using a bother you or keep
check or cashier’s check is best. If you OK it, you from enjoying
your landlord may take your rent out of your your place.
checking account.
The landlord may need to come into
• Pay late fees if your rent is late: your place sometimes. Most of the time,
o If your rent is more than 5 days late, the the landlord needs your OK first. If the
landlord can charge you extra. The 5 days landlord has a good reason, you should
start the day the rent is due. Is the 5th day let him in. Example: A good reason is
on a Sunday or legal holiday? Then you when the landlord needs to make repairs.
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 • The landlord can come in without your OK • Because you, or someone you live with,
IF: has a disability
o It’s an emergency, like a fire or flood.
OR Do you think a landlord has treated you unfairly
o You are gone longer than 7 days for one of these reasons? Then call the U.S.
without first telling the landlord. OR Department of Housing and Urban Development
o You die or get too sick to answer the hot line. Their number is 1-800-669-9777. It’s a
door. OR free call.
o You move out without telling the
landlord. OR Some people have special rights because of their
o You are sent to jail. OR disabilities. This group includes:
o The gas, water or lights have been
turned off and it’s not the landlord’s • People who do not see or hear well
fault. OR • People using wheelchairs
o The landlord gets a court order. • People who have intellectual disabilities
or mental retardation
The landlord can also