Tennessee Landlord & Investor Guide
Tennessee combines no state income tax, no rent control, and booming metros like Nashville with affordable cash-flow markets like Memphis.
Income outlook
Nashville's growth has driven appreciation, while Memphis remains a long-favored cash-flow market. No state income tax adds to the appeal for both residents and investors.
Landlord-tenant law at a glance
| Security deposit cap | No statewide cap on the amount; deposits generally held in a separate account. |
|---|---|
| Deposit return | Itemized accounting required after move-out under the state's landlord-tenant act. |
| Rent control | Prohibited statewide. |
⚠️ General orientation only — not legal advice. Laws change and vary by city and county. Verify the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-03.
Eviction process
Tennessee evictions proceed via a detainer warrant; timelines are moderate and the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies in larger counties.
Registering an LLC in Tennessee
Filing agency
Tennessee Secretary of StateApprox. filing fee
~$300 minimum ($50 per member; min $300, max $3,000)
Good to know
An annual report (min ~$300) is required each year.
Strategies that fit Tennessee
Underwriting tip
Tennessee's per-member LLC fee can climb for multi-member entities — confirm the cost before forming.
Tennessee landlord FAQ
Why do investors like Tennessee?+
No state income tax, no rent control, strong growth in Nashville, and affordable cash flow in Memphis make Tennessee a popular market. LLC fees scale with the number of members.
Free download
Get the free Rental Property ROI Calculator
The exact Excel workbook behind our calculators — Buy & Hold and BRRRR analyzers, all formulas included. Enter your email and it's yours.