How to evict in Tennessee?

Step 1: Give Notice

The first step in the eviction process is to give your tenant a written notice to vacate. This notice must:

- Be in writing

- State the reason for the eviction

- Give the tenant a specific date and time to vacate the premises

Step 2: File a Complaint with the Court

If the tenant does not vacate the property by the specified date, you must file a complaint with the court. The complaint must include:

- The names of the landlord and tenant

- The address of the rental property

- A statement of the facts of the case, including the reason for the eviction

- A copy of the notice to vacate

Step 3: Serve the Tenant with the Complaint

Once the complaint is filed with the court, you must serve the tenant with a copy of the complaint. This can be done by:

- Delivering the complaint to the tenant in person

- Sending the complaint to the tenant by certified mail, return receipt requested

- Posting the complaint on the door of the rental property

Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing

After the tenant has been served with the complaint, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case. The tenant will also have the opportunity to present their evidence and argue their case.

Step 5: Obtain a Judgment

If the court finds in your favor, you will be issued a judgment for possession of the rental property. This judgment gives you the legal right to evict the tenant.

Step 6: Evict the Tenant

Once you have obtained a judgment, you can evict the tenant by:

- Changing the locks on the doors

- Removing the tenant's belongings from the property

- Posting a notice of eviction on the property

- Hiring a sheriff to physically remove the tenant from the property

Special Considerations

- Evictions for Nonpayment of Rent: If the tenant is being evicted for nonpayment of rent, they may have the right to a "redemption period". This is a period of time, usually 10 days, during which the tenant can pay the overdue rent and avoid eviction.

- Evictions for Lease Violations: If the tenant is being evicted for a lease violation, such as causing damage to the property or violating the terms of the lease, the landlord may not need to give the tenant a notice to vacate.

- Evictions for Health or Safety Reasons: If the rental property is in a dangerous or unhealthy condition, the landlord may be able to evict the tenant without giving them notice.

- Evictions for Criminal Activity: If the tenant has been convicted of a criminal offense, the landlord may be able to evict them without giving them notice.