Eviction Laws in Clarksville, Tennessee
Clarksville is Tennessee’s fifth-largest city and home to Fort Campbell, one of the largest military installations in the United States, which makes it one of the most unique rental markets in the state. The military population creates consistent demand but also high turnover — PCS orders move tenants in and out on short notice, and lease break situations are common. Landlords must understand the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) in addition to Tennessee URLTA, as active-duty tenants have federal protections that can affect eviction timelines.
Tennessee is a landlord-friendly state and Clarksville landlords operate under URLTA, which applies in Montgomery County. Landlords must issue a written 14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit after the 5-day grace period before filing for nonpayment. Curable lease violations require a 14-Day Notice to Cure. Violent or illegal activity triggers a 3-Day Notice to Quit. Once the notice period expires, landlords file a Detainer Warrant with Montgomery County General Sessions Court. Tennessee has no rent control, no security deposit cap, and a Writ of Possession is issued 10 days after judgment.
Clarksville & Montgomery County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. Tennessee state law preempts any local rent regulation, and Clarksville has no local ordinances that restrict rent increases or add eviction grounds beyond state law.
SCRA Protections for Military Tenants. Active-duty servicemembers at Fort Campbell may terminate a lease with 30 days’ notice under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act if they receive deployment or PCS orders. Evicting a servicemember without verifying SCRA status first can expose landlords to federal liability.
High Turnover Market. Military-driven turnover is a constant in Clarksville. Build strong move-in/move-out documentation habits — photo documentation and signed inspection checklists are essential for any damage or security deposit disputes.
5-Day Rent Grace Period. Under URLTA, rent is not late until 5 days after the due date.
Montgomery County General Sessions Court — Where Clarksville Landlords File
Clarksville landlords file Detainer Warrants at Montgomery County General Sessions Court, located at 2 Millennium Plaza, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 648-5703, open Monday through Friday. File your Detainer Warrant at the clerk’s window and pay the applicable filing fee. A summons is served by sheriff or process server, and a hearing is scheduled no less than 6 days after service. If the tenant does not appear, a default judgment is entered. If the tenant answers, the judge typically rules the same day. A Writ of Possession is issued 10 days after judgment if no appeal is filed. Self-help eviction is illegal in Tennessee.
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