Eviction Laws in Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is Tennessee’s largest city by population and one of the most active rental markets in the mid-South, anchored by logistics, healthcare, and a large workforce serving the city’s massive distribution and transportation sector. With a high renter-to-owner ratio and frequent tenant turnover in neighborhoods ranging from Midtown to Cordova, nonpayment evictions are among the highest per capita of any Tennessee city. Shelby County General Sessions Court processes a substantial volume of Detainer Warrants each year, and landlords who know the system move efficiently through it.
Tennessee is a landlord-friendly state and Memphis landlords operate under URLTA, which applies in Shelby County. Landlords must issue a written 14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit before filing for nonpayment — after a 5-day grace period. Lease violations require a 14-Day Notice to Cure. Violent or illegal activity triggers a 3-Day Notice to Quit. Once the notice period lapses without compliance, landlords file a Detainer Warrant with Shelby County General Sessions Court. Tennessee has no rent control, no security deposit cap, and issues a Writ of Possession 10 days after judgment if no appeal is filed.
Memphis & Shelby County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. Tennessee state law preempts local rent regulation, and Memphis has no local ordinances that override URLTA protections for landlords.
Memphis Rental Licensing. Memphis requires landlords to obtain a Memphis Business License and comply with the Memphis and Shelby County Housing Code. Properties that fail inspections can create leverage for tenants raising habitability defenses during eviction hearings.
Habitual Late Pay. In Memphis, repeat nonpayment is common. Tennessee law allows landlords to issue a 14-Day Notice without a cure option after the tenant has already received one notice within the prior 6 months for the same violation.
5-Day Rent Grace Period. Under URLTA, rent is not late until 5 days after the due date. Do not issue a 14-Day Notice before this window closes.
Shelby County General Sessions Court — Where Memphis Landlords File
Memphis landlords file Detainer Warrants at Shelby County General Sessions Court, located at 140 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, phone (901) 222-3400, open Monday through Friday. File your Detainer Warrant at the clerk’s window and pay the applicable filing fee. The court issues a summons served by sheriff or process server, with a hearing 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. Only the sheriff may physically remove a tenant — self-help eviction is illegal in Tennessee.
|
