Evicting a tenant in Nashville is a legal process that must be followed precisely. Skip a step or use the wrong notice and the entire case gets dismissed — sending you back to square one and costing you another month or more of lost rent. Here is the exact process for Davidson County.
Grounds for Eviction in Tennessee
You must have a legal reason to evict. Common grounds include:
- Non-payment of rent — most common reason
- Lease violations — unauthorized pets, subletting, property damage
- End of lease term — tenant refuses to vacate after lease expires
- Illegal activity — drug use, criminal activity on premises
Step 1: Serve the Correct Written Notice
| Reason for Eviction | Notice Required |
|---|---|
| Non-payment of rent | 14-Day Pay or Quit Notice |
| Lease violation (fixable) | 14-Day Cure or Quit Notice |
| Illegal activity or serious violation | 3-Day Unconditional Quit Notice |
| Month-to-month tenancy termination | 30-Day Notice to Vacate |
The notice must be delivered in person or posted on the door AND mailed by first class mail. Keep a copy and document the delivery date.
Step 2: File a Detainer Warrant
If the tenant does not comply with the notice, go to Davidson County General Sessions Court at 1 Public Square, Nashville. File a Detainer Warrant (eviction complaint). Filing fee is approximately $140–$175.
You will need:
- Tenant's full name and property address
- Copy of the lease
- Copy of the notice you served and proof of delivery
- Record of unpaid rent or lease violations
Step 3: Court Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing, typically 6–10 days after filing. Both you and the tenant will be notified. Attend the hearing and bring all documentation.
Written lease, all notices served with proof of delivery, rent ledger showing unpaid amounts, photos of any damage or violations, and any written communication with the tenant.
If the tenant does not appear, you will likely receive a default judgment in your favor. If they appear and contest the eviction, the judge will hear both sides.
Step 4: Obtain the Judgment
If the judge rules in your favor, the tenant has 10 days to vacate voluntarily. During this time, they can appeal the judgment — keep this in mind if you have a tenant who knows the system.
Step 5: Writ of Possession
If the tenant does not leave within 10 days, return to court and request a Writ of Possession. The Davidson County Sheriff's Office will then schedule the physical removal of the tenant and their belongings.
Total Timeline
| Step | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Notice period | 14–30 days |
| Filing to hearing | 6–10 days |
| Tenant vacate period after judgment | 10 days |
| Writ of Possession (if needed) | 5–10 days |
| Total (if contested) | 35–60 days |
Changing locks, removing the tenant's belongings, or shutting off utilities is illegal in Tennessee — even if the tenant is behind on rent. This can result in a lawsuit against you for damages far exceeding any unpaid rent.
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