Last Updated: Aug 25, 2026
Read Time: 2 mins
A frequent question that clients ask is what obligations does their landlord owe to them. Tennessee has adopted an act referred to as URLTA (“Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act”) that is limited to certain counties in Tennessee, including Davidson and Shelby counties, and that only applies to residential leases. While URLTA includes many detailed provisions, the most common problems stem from inadequate maintenance by landlords.
Under URLTA, a landlord must do the following:
- Comply with requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety;
- Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition;
- Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition; and
- In multi-unit complexes of four (4) or more units, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish and other waste from common points of collection.
Tenants should also note that URLTA allows the landlord and tenant to make a written agreement where the tenant agrees to perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations, and remodeling. While such an agreement cannot be made by the landlord to escape the above obligations, it does allow the tenant to have a degree of control over how such maintenance is performed.
If your landlord fails to do any of the above, you should immediately give him/her written notice of the URLTA violation. Depending on how your landlord responds, you should then consider contacting an attorney for legal guidance. There are various remedies available to tenants when landlords fail to meet the above obligations. Our firm handles a wide variety of such issues. If you feel that your landlord has violated URLTA, please give us a call.
To read find out more about URLTA, its provisions can be found in T.C.A. § 66-28-101 et seq.
Patterson Bray
20+ Years of Experience
24/7 Call Answering
Nashville & Memphis Offices
Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.
Posted on Google
Nancy Wallace2 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!Posted on Google
Cheryl Adkins3 days agoWe loved the staff at Patterson Bray. Everyone was very professional. Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well. We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.Posted on Google
Hailey Wade27 days agoPatterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.Posted on Google
Deb Clark32 days agoMy experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional. From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs. My documents were completed timely and professionally. I highly recommend Patterson Bray.Posted on Google
Tanya White32 days agoPattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part. Gabby put together a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.Posted on Google
Charmaine Sego33 days agoPatterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.Posted on Google
Phil Chamberlain49 days agoPatterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.Posted on Google
Catherine McGee69 days agoHeath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!Posted on Google
Marva Johnson75 days agoI FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE. M.JOHNSONPosted on Google
Pam Nicole76 days agoWe set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.
comes next.
