A 14 day eviction notice Tennessee landlords most frequently use is the 14 day notice to vacate Tennessee for non-payment of rent or other curable lease violations. As a Tennessee real estate attorney who has drafted and reviewed thousands of eviction notices over the past 12 years, I created this completely free, attorney-drafted template that complies with Tennessee Code Annotated § 66-28-505 and current case law as of November 2025.
In Tennessee, the 14-day notice (often called a “14 day eviction notice Tennessee”) is a formal written demand that gives tenants 14 full days to either correct (cure) a lease violation—most commonly unpaid rent—or vacate the premises. This notice is a mandatory first step before a landlord can file a detainer warrant (eviction lawsuit) in General Sessions Court for non-payment or curable breaches.
According to the Internal Revenue Service and Tennessee Department of Revenue guidelines on rental income reporting, serving proper notice alsoily protects landlords when later claiming deductions for legal fees and lost rent.
Tennessee law permits a 14-day curable notice in these situations:
Important: Criminal activity, illegal drug use, or severe damage requires only a 3-day notice under Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505(c). Do NOT use the 14-day template for those situations.
Download the Word (.docx) version here: Free 14 Day Eviction Notice Tennessee Template (2025)
Or copy/paste the text below into your own document:
| 14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE THE PREMISES Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505(a) |
|
Date: [Insert Date] Tenant Name(s): [Full Legal Names] Dear [Tenant Name(s)], You are hereby notified that you have breached the rental agreement dated [Lease Start Date] by failing to pay rent in the amount of $[Total Amount Due] that became due on [Due Date(s)]. As of [Today’s Date], the total amount past due is:
Pursuant to Tennessee law, you have fourteen (14) full days from the date this notice is delivered to either:
If you fail to pay or vacate within fourteen (14) days, the landlord will file a detainer warrant in the General Sessions Court seeking possession, court costs, and monetary judgment. This notice is delivered pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505 and the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Landlord/Agent: _______________________________ Date: ____________ CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE Signature: _______________________________ |
Tennessee courts strictly require proof of service. Acceptable methods (in order of preference):
Never just slide under the door or mail regular postage only—judges routinely dismiss cases for improper service.
The 14-day period begins the day after delivery:
You can file the detainer warrant on Day 15 if the tenant has neither paid nor vacated.
In my practice, I see these errors constantly:
| 14-Day Notice | 30-Day Notice | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Non-payment or curable breach | Terminate month-to-month tenancy (no cause needed) |
| Right to Cure | Yes – pay or fix and stay | No – must vacate regardless |
| Statute | Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505(a) | Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-7-107 (30 days written notice) |
Can the tenant stop the eviction by paying on day 13?
Yes – if they pay the full amount demanded before you file the detainer warrant, the notice is satisfied and you cannot proceed (unless your lease has a “no waiver” clause for repeated violations).
Do weekends and holidays count in the 14 days?
Yes. Tennessee does not exclude weekends or holidays unless the 14th day falls on a weekend/holiday and you’re filing in person—then you can file the next business day.
Can I add attorney fees to the 14-day notice?
Only if your lease specifically allows it. Otherwise, you recover them later through the court judgment.
Using a correct, up-to-date 14 day eviction notice Tennessee template can save you thousands in lost rent and legal fees. I’ve helped hundreds of landlords and property managers avoid costly dismissals simply by starting with proper paperwork.
Again, download the free 2025 template above and customize it to your situation.
Disclaimer: This article and template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. Always consult a licensed Tennessee attorney or legal aid organization before serving any eviction notice.
Sources: Tennessee Code Annotated Title 66, Chapter 28 (Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act), Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts eviction guidelines, IRS Publication 527 (Residential Rental Property).