National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Tennessee?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Tennessee finish in about 4 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The Tennessee eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    14 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    14-day notice to cure or quit for nonpayment

    From our guide: “Nonpayment and other curable breaches: 14 days”

  2. 2Court case

    6 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Trial at least 6 days after service

    From our guide: “The trial date must be at least six days after service”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    10 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ issues 10 days after judgment

    From our guide: “No writ of possession may issue until 10 days after the judgment”

What can slow it down

  • Notice rules differ by whether the county is one of the 17 larger URLTA counties or not, but both regimes give 14 days for a nonpayment notice; timing figures here use the statewide detainer-warrant court process.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Tennessee eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Tennessee scores 8 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (landlord-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Tennessee attorney before acting.