WeVote

Bill

Bill

SB 1088

Landlord and Tenant - As introduced, reduces the time period, after which a landlord may terminate a rental agreement, from 14 days to seven days following notice to the tenant of a material breach of the rental agreement for the nonpayment of rent, the cost of repairs, damages, or another amount due the landlord under the rental agreement, or for an act of violence or other behavior that poses a real and present danger on the premises. - Amends TCA Title 66.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

SB 1088 reduces the notice period for lease termination due to tenant breach from 14 to 7 days, accelerating evictions for nonpayment, damages, and safety violations in Tennessee.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1088

Legislative bill overview

SB 1088 shortens the notice period landlords must give tenants before terminating a lease due to material breach from 14 days to 7 days. The bill applies to breaches including nonpayment of rent, repair costs, damages, and behaviors posing safety risks on the premises.

Why is this important

This change affects the practical balance of power in rental relationships. Tenants would have half the time to remedy payment issues or other breaches before losing housing, while landlords gain faster eviction pathways. Given that housing instability has documented effects on employment, health, and family stability, this accelerates a significant consequence for renters.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant financial hardship: Seven days may be insufficient for tenants facing temporary income disruption to secure funds, arrange payment plans, or seek assistance, potentially increasing homelessness
  • Enforcement disparity: The shorter timeline favors landlords' ability to quickly remove tenants while giving tenants less time to cure breaches or mount legal defenses
  • Safety vs. process: While legitimate safety concerns justify faster removal, the bill groups violent/dangerous behavior with routine non-payment, potentially conflating different breach severities that warrant different timelines

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.