2019 Tennessee Code
Title 66 - Property
Chapter 28 - Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Part 5 - Enforcement and Remedies
§ 66-28-503. Fire or casualty damage.
(a) If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty to an extent that the use of the dwelling unit is substantially impaired, the tenant:
(1) May immediately vacate the premises; and
(2) Shall notify the landlord in writing within fourteen (14) days thereafter of the tenant's intention to terminate the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates as of the date of vacating.
(b) If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty to an extent that restoring the dwelling unit or premises to its undamaged condition requires the tenant to vacate the premises, the landlord is authorized to terminate the rental agreement within fourteen (14) days of providing written notice to the tenant.
(c) If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security deposits recoverable under § 66-28-301. If the tenant vacates pursuant to this section, accounting for rent is to occur as of the date the tenant returns the keys to the landlord or has, in fact, vacated the dwelling unit or premises whichever date is earlier.
