title: "Tennessee Eviction Defense - Complete LSC Packet with Forms"
state: "TN"
category: "Eviction Defense"
date: "2026-03-20"
price: "$67"
lsc_grade: true
version: "COMPLETE_WITH_FORMS"
Tennessee Eviction Defense Packet
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST
- [ ] You have received a Detainer Warrant from your landlord
- [ ] Your landlord did NOT give you proper written notice before filing (URLTA: 14 days non-payment, 30 days month-to-month)
- [ ] The eviction notice contains wrong information (wrong address, amount, or names)
- [ ] You paid all or part of the rent (have proof)
- [ ] Your landlord accepted rent after giving you a notice to vacate
- [ ] Your landlord is discriminating against you based on a protected class
- [ ] Your landlord refused your payment
- [ ] (URLTA counties only) Your landlord failed to make repairs affecting health or safety
- [ ] (URLTA counties only) Your landlord is retaliating against you for complaining about conditions
- [ ] You live in a URLTA county: Anderson, Blount, Bradley, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Maury, Montgomery, Putnam, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Washington, Williamson, or Wilson
FORM 1: ANSWER TO DETAINER WARRANT — BLANK TEMPLATE
> INSTRUCTIONS: Type or print neatly in black ink. Replace bracketed text [LIKE THIS] with your information. File with the General Sessions Court Clerk before your hearing date.
`
________________________________________________________________________________
STATE OF TENNESSEE )
) ss.
COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )
________________________________________________________________________________
[LANDLORD'S NAME],
Plaintiff,
v.
[YOUR FULL NAME],
Defendant.
________________________________________________________________________________
ANSWER TO DETAINER WARRANT
________________________________________________________________________________
COMES NOW the Defendant, [YOUR FULL NAME], by and through undersigned counsel
or appearing pro se, and files this Answer to the Detainer Warrant filed in
this matter, and states as follows:
I. RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS
- Defendant [ADMIT / DENY] that the Detainer Warrant was properly served.
- Defendant [ADMIT / DENY] that Defendant is in possession of the premises
located at [YOUR ADDRESS], [CITY], Tennessee [ZIP CODE].
- Defendant [ADMIT / DENY] that Defendant owes rent in the amount claimed
by Plaintiff.
- Defendant [ADMIT / DENY] that Defendant violated the terms of the lease
as alleged by Plaintiff.
II. AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
- Defendant asserts the following defenses (check all that apply):
[ ] IMPROPER NOTICE — Plaintiff failed to give proper written notice
before filing this Detainer Warrant as required by Tennessee law.
[ ] PAYMENT MADE — Defendant paid all or part of the rent claimed.
(See attached receipts/bank statements as Exhibit A.)
[ ] LANDLORD BREACH — Plaintiff failed to maintain the premises in
habitable condition as required by T.C.A. § 66-28-304.
(See attached photos and repair requests as Exhibit B.)
[ ] RETALIATION — This eviction is retaliatory because Defendant
[DESCRIBE: complained about conditions / called code enforcement /
joined a tenant organization]. Protected under T.C.A. § 66-28-514.
[ ] DISCRIMINATION — This eviction is discriminatory based on
[PROTECTED CLASS: race / religion / national origin / sex /
disability / family status].
[ ] ACCEPTATION OF RENT — Plaintiff accepted rent after giving notice
to vacate, waiving the right to evict.
[ ] WRONGFUL AMOUNT — The amount claimed by Plaintiff is incorrect.
The correct amount owed is $________.
[ ] OTHER: [DESCRIBE ANY OTHER DEFENSE]
III. COUNTERCLAIM (Optional)
- Defendant asserts the following counterclaims against Plaintiff
(check all that apply):
[ ] RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSIT — Plaintiff wrongfully withheld
security deposit in the amount of $________.
[ ] DAMAGES FOR UNINHABITABLE CONDITIONS — Plaintiff failed to
maintain premises, causing damages in the amount of $________.
[ ] WRONGFUL EVICTION — Plaintiff's eviction attempt is wrongful,
causing damages in the amount of $________.
IV. REQUEST FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court:
A. Dismiss the Detainer Warrant with prejudice;
B. Deny Plaintiff's request for possession of the premises;
C. Award Defendant court costs;
D. Grant such other and further relief as is just and proper.
Respectfully submitted,
Date: _____________________ _______________________________
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR PRINTED NAME]
[YOUR STREET ADDRESS]
[YOUR CITY, TN ZIP CODE]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]
________________________________________________________________________________
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, [YOUR FULL NAME], certify that on ____________________, I served a true
copy of this Answer on:
[PLAINTIFF'S NAME OR ATTORNEY]
[PLAINTIFF'S ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
by [ ] First Class U.S. Mail [ ] Hand delivery.
_______________________________
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
________________________________________________________________________________
`
--- PAGE BREAK ---
FORM 2: MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE — BLANK TEMPLATE
> INSTRUCTIONS: Use this form if you need more time before your hearing. File with the Clerk at least 3 days before your court date if possible.
`
________________________________________________________________________________
STATE OF TENNESSEE )
) ss.
COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )
________________________________________________________________________________
[LANDLORD'S NAME],
Plaintiff,
v.
[YOUR FULL NAME],
Defendant.
Case No. [CASE NUMBER]
________________________________________________________________________________
MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE
________________________________________________________________________________
COMES NOW the Defendant, [YOUR FULL NAME], and respectfully moves this
Honorable Court to continue the hearing currently scheduled for
[ORIGINAL HEARING DATE] at [TIME], and in support states as follows:
- This case is scheduled for hearing on [ORIGINAL HEARING DATE] at [TIME]
in the [COUNTY] County General Sessions Court.
- Defendant requests a continuance for the following reason(s):
[ ] I need more time to find an attorney.
[ ] I need more time to gather evidence (describe):
________________________________________________________________
[ ] I have a scheduling conflict (describe):
________________________________________________________________
[ ] I am waiting for documents from (describe):
________________________________________________________________
[ ] Other (describe):
________________________________________________________________
- Defendant requests that the hearing be rescheduled to a date on or
after [PROPOSED NEW DATE].
- This continuance is necessary to ensure Defendant has a fair opportunity
to present their case.
- Defendant is not requesting this continuance for purposes of delay.
WHEREFORE, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court grant this
Motion for Continuance and reschedule the hearing.
Respectfully submitted,
Date: _____________________ _______________________________
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR PRINTED NAME]
[YOUR STREET ADDRESS]
[YOUR CITY, TN ZIP CODE]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
________________________________________________________________________________
`
--- PAGE BREAK ---
FORM 3: AFFIDAVIT OF INABILITY TO PAY — BLANK TEMPLATE
> INSTRUCTIONS: Use this form if you cannot afford court fees. File with the Clerk.
`
________________________________________________________________________________
AFFIDAVIT OF INABILITY TO PAY
(PAUPER'S OATH)
________________________________________________________________________________
STATE OF TENNESSEE )
) ss.
COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )
I, [YOUR FULL NAME], being first duly sworn, depose and state as follows:
- I am the [ ] Plaintiff / [ ] Defendant in the above-styled case.
- I am unable to pay the costs of this proceeding or give security therefor
because of my poverty.
- My financial information is as follows:
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
[ ] Employed [ ] Unemployed [ ] Disabled [ ] Retired
MONTHLY INCOME:
Employment wages: $__________
Unemployment benefits: $__________
Social Security/Disability: $__________
Other income: $__________
TOTAL MONTHLY INCOME: $__________
MONTHLY EXPENSES:
Rent/Mortgage: $__________
Utilities: $__________
Food: $__________
Transportation: $__________
Medical expenses: $__________
Other necessary expenses: $__________
TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENSES: $__________
- I have $__________ in savings and checking accounts combined.
- I [ ] own / [ ] do not own a vehicle. If owned, value: $__________
- I [ ] own / [ ] do not own real estate.
- I believe that I am entitled to the relief requested in my pleadings.
- I understand that if the Court finds that I am able to pay costs, I may
be required to pay all costs.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Date: _____________________ _______________________________
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR PRINTED NAME]
________________________________________________________________________________
NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT
STATE OF TENNESSEE )
) ss.
COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )
Sworn to and subscribed before me on ____________________, by
[YOUR FULL NAME], who is personally known to me or who produced
[TYPE OF IDENTIFICATION] as identification.
_______________________________
Notary Public
My Commission Expires: __________
________________________________________________________________________________
`
--- PAGE BREAK ---
FORM 4: NOTICE OF APPEAL — BLANK TEMPLATE
> INSTRUCTIONS: If you lose your case, you have 10 days to appeal. File this form with the Circuit Court Clerk within 10 calendar days of the judgment.
`
________________________________________________________________________________
STATE OF TENNESSEE )
) ss.
COUNTY OF [COUNTY] )
________________________________________________________________________________
[LANDLORD'S NAME],
Plaintiff/Appellee,
v.
[YOUR FULL NAME],
Defendant/Appellant.
In General Sessions Court for [COUNTY] County
Case No. [CASE NUMBER]
________________________________________________________________________________
NOTICE OF APPEAL
________________________________________________________________________________
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that [YOUR FULL NAME], Defendant in the above-styled
case, hereby appeals to the Circuit Court of [COUNTY] County, Tennessee,
from the final judgment entered in this case on [DATE OF JUDGMENT].
The basis for this appeal is (check all that apply):
[ ] The General Sessions Court erred in finding that Defendant owes rent.
[ ] The General Sessions Court erred in finding that Defendant violated
the lease.
[ ] The General Sessions Court erred in granting possession to Plaintiff.
[ ] The General Sessions Court erred in awarding damages to Plaintiff.
[ ] Other errors: ________________________________________________
Defendant understands that an appeal bond may be required in the amount
of $__________.
Defendant's contact information:
[YOUR STREET ADDRESS]
[YOUR CITY, TN ZIP CODE]
[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]
Respectfully submitted,
Date: _____________________ _______________________________
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR PRINTED NAME]
________________________________________________________________________________
`
--- PAGE BREAK ---
FILING STEPS
- Read the Detainer Warrant carefully — write down the court date, time, address, reason for eviction, and amount claimed.
- Gather evidence: copy of your lease, rent receipts or bank statements, photos of problems, letters/texts to landlord, witness contacts.
- Complete FORM 1 (Answer to Detainer Warrant), make 3 copies, file with the General Sessions Court Clerk, and send one copy to your landlord by certified mail.
- If you need more time, file FORM 2 (Motion for Continuance) at least 3 days before the hearing.
- If you cannot afford filing fees, file FORM 3 (Affidavit of Inability to Pay) with the clerk.
- Attend your court hearing: arrive 30 minutes early, check in with the clerk or bailiff, present your evidence calmly.
- If you lose, you have 10 calendar days to appeal — file FORM 4 (Notice of Appeal) with the Circuit Court Clerk within that window.
- An appeal bond (usually rent owed plus costs) may be required to stay in the property during appeal.
COURT INFORMATION
| County | Court Name | Filing Fee (Tenant Answer) |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby (Memphis) | General Sessions Court — Civil | ~$25–50 |
| Davidson (Nashville) | General Sessions Court — Civil | ~$25–50 |
| Knox (Knoxville) | General Sessions Court | ~$25–50 |
| Hamilton (Chattanooga) | General Sessions Court | ~$25–50 |
| Rutherford (Murfreesboro) | General Sessions Court | ~$25–50 |
| Williamson (Franklin) | General Sessions Court | ~$25–50 |
| Montgomery (Clarksville) | General Sessions Court | ~$25–50 |
| Sullivan (Blountville) | General Sessions Court | ~$25–50 |
Fee waivers available at all courts — ask for the Pauper's Oath form.
FILING CHECKLIST
Before Going to Court
- [ ] I know my court date, time, and location
- [ ] I have read the Detainer Warrant carefully
- [ ] I have gathered my lease and all rent receipts
- [ ] I have taken photos of any problems
- [ ] I have copies of letters/texts to landlord
- [ ] I have completed my Answer form
- [ ] I have filed my Answer with the clerk
- [ ] I have sent a copy to my landlord
- [ ] I have arranged transportation
- [ ] I have arranged childcare
At Court
- [ ] Bring photo ID
- [ ] Bring copy of Detainer Warrant
- [ ] Bring filed Answer (stamped copy)
- [ ] Bring all evidence organized
- [ ] Bring notebook and pen
- [ ] Arrive 30 minutes early
If I Lose
- [ ] Note the 10-day deadline
- [ ] Decide if I want to appeal
- [ ] File Notice of Appeal within 10 days (if appealing)
- [ ] Start packing and looking for new housing
STATUTE REFERENCES
Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. Title 66, Chapter 28)
| Citation | Topic |
|---|---|
| T.C.A. § 66-28-101 | Definitions, application |
| T.C.A. § 66-28-304 | Landlord's duty to maintain premises |
| T.C.A. § 66-28-501 | Tenant remedies for landlord noncompliance |
| T.C.A. § 66-28-502 | Essential services — tenant remedies |
| T.C.A. § 66-28-505 | Landlord remedies for tenant noncompliance |
| T.C.A. § 66-28-514 | Retaliatory conduct prohibited |
Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (T.C.A. Title 29, Chapter 18)
| Citation | Topic |
|---|---|
| T.C.A. § 29-18-115 | Service of summons (10-day notice) |
| T.C.A. § 29-18-126 | 10-day delay before writ of possession |
| T.C.A. § 29-18-127 | Disposition of personal property |
DISCLAIMER
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
- Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
- These forms may not be appropriate for your specific situation.
- Laws change frequently. Verify current law before filing.
- If your case involves complex issues, consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
Need help? Find free legal aid at lawhelp.org or call 211.