Eviction Laws in Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin is the seat of Williamson County and one of the wealthiest suburban markets in Tennessee, consistently ranked among the top small cities in the country for quality of life. The rental market here skews toward higher-income tenants — young professionals, corporate relocatees, and families priced out of Nashville proper — with strong demand for single-family homes and upscale apartment communities. While eviction rates are lower than most Tennessee cities, nonpayment and lease violations still occur, and Williamson County’s court system handles them efficiently under URLTA.
Tennessee is a landlord-friendly state and Franklin landlords operate under URLTA, which applies in Williamson 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 Williamson County General Sessions Court. Tennessee has no rent control, no security deposit cap, and a Writ of Possession is issued 10 days after judgment.
Franklin & Williamson County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. Tennessee state law preempts any local rent regulation, and Franklin has no local ordinances that limit rent increases or add tenant protections beyond state law.
High-Value Properties. Franklin’s premium rental market means security deposits, property damage disputes, and lease break situations can involve larger dollar amounts. Document property condition meticulously at move-in and move-out — photos, signed inspection reports, and written repair communications all matter in court.
HOA Compliance. Many Franklin rental properties are within HOA-governed communities. HOA violations by tenants can complicate eviction proceedings — include HOA rules as an addendum to the lease to establish clear grounds for action.
5-Day Rent Grace Period. Under URLTA, rent is not late until 5 days after the due date.
Williamson County General Sessions Court — Where Franklin Landlords File
Franklin landlords file Detainer Warrants at Williamson County General Sessions Court, located at 135 Fourth Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064, phone (615) 790-5712, 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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