I Got a Detainer Warrant in Davidson County: What Happens Next?

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026

Short answer: a detainer warrant means your landlord has filed an eviction lawsuit in Davidson County General Sessions Court. It lists a courtroom, date and time. Go to that hearing. If you don’t, the judge can rule against you by default. If you lose, you usually have 10 days to appeal before the landlord can ask the sheriff to remove you. Check your papers for your exact dates.

Not sure your paper is a warrant? Read what a detainer warrant is.

1. How you were served

A sheriff’s deputy, constable or private process server usually hands the warrant to you or another adult at home. If they can’t reach anyone after three tries on different days, they can post it on your door and mail a copy at least six days before court. That posted service only supports the case for possession, not a money judgment (Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-18-115(e)). If you were never handed papers and later got a money judgment, ask a lawyer about it.

2. Before court

• Write the courtroom, date and time down twice. In Nashville, the county’s standard warrant usually sets hearings in Courtroom 1A or 1B at the Justice A.A. Birch Building, 408 Second Avenue North. Check your warrant, since the room and time can differ.
• Contact Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee (las.org) right away. Can’t find a lawyer? We guarantee you one.
• Gather your papers. See what to bring to eviction court.
• If you live in federally backed housing, check whether you got a proper 30-day CARES Act notice. See CARES Act 30-day notices.

3. At the hearing

Usually one of these happens: the case is dismissed or the landlord drops it (often after rent is paid), the case is reset to a later date, you and the landlord reach an agreement, or the judge rules. If you sign an agreement, read every line: missing a payment under it can lead to a quick judgment.

4. If the judge rules against you

• Appeal: any party may appeal a General Sessions decision to Circuit Court within 10 days (Tenn. Code Ann. § 27-5-108). Appeals usually require a bond or a pauper’s oath. Ask the clerk or a lawyer what applies to you.
• Writ of possession: if no appeal is filed in time, the landlord can get a writ, and the sheriff schedules a set-out. Treat a writ as an emergency.

What not to do

• Don’t skip court because you plan to move.
• Don’t rely on a phone promise from the landlord to drop the case. Get it in writing and still check the docket.

Sources

• Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 29-18-101 et seq., 29-18-115 (detainer actions and service)
• Tenn. Code Ann. § 27-5-108 (10-day appeal)
• Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-505 (notice before filing)
• Davidson County General Sessions / Circuit Court Clerk: circuitclerk.nashville.gov
• Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee: las.org

This is general information to help you understand your papers, not legal advice for your situation. Rules and court practice can change, so check your papers and talk with a lawyer if you can. Can’t find a lawyer? We guarantee you one.