A Tennessee notice to enter informs a tenant that their landlord plans to enter the premises for a valid purpose. The document will relay the date and time the landlord requires access to the property and why they need to gain entry. Although the landlord doesn’t have to give notice to enter for most purposes, doing so is a courtesy that makes the process smoother for all parties.

Laws

There is no state requirement for landlords to give tenants notice before entering a rental property except when showing the property to prospective renters. When showing a property within 30 days of the lease termination date, the tenant must be given at least 24 hours’ notice by the landlord.

Landlord’s Right of Access

The landlord has the right to enter a rental property with or without consent for the following reasons:

• Emergency affecting the property
• Utilities are cut off
• By court order
• Tenant’s non-compliance that endangers health & safety
• Tenant abandons or surrenders the property
• Tenant is deceased, incapacitated, or incarcerated

Landlords are expressly prohibited from abusing their right of access and harassing tenants.

Tenant’s Consent to Access

The landlord must obtain the tenant’s consent, which the tenant cannot unreasonably deny, to do any of the following:

• Inspect the premises
• Make necessary repairs or improvements
• Make agreed-upon repairs or improvements
• Supply necessary services
• Show the property

Statutes: §§ 66-28-403, 66-28-506, 66-28-507(b)