Learn the papers tenants commonly use, the defenses tenants commonly raise, and how to file your own papers on Nashville's free eFlex site. You decide what applies to you.
Get a free review of your notice AI Defense Package — $250/monthWant a lawyer to look at your own situation? A Tennessee lawyer review, $400 (coming soon). Start with the AI Defense Package and move up to a lawyer review or a lawyer in court at any point.
You pick the papers that fit; a Tennessee lawyer can review them for $400 (coming soon).
Write down what happened once, in your own words. Your story organizer keeps it in one place so you don't have to retype it into each model you choose.
Mockup only. Nothing is saved.
General descriptions of blank models in the library. You choose which, if any, to use; you sign and file them yourself.
A written statement disputing the landlord's claim. Some tenants use one so the judge can follow their side.
Generally, a request asking the court to end a case because of a problem such as a defective notice or improper service.
Generally, a request to move a hearing to a later date, with a reason (for example, to gather records).
Granting is up to the judge
A sworn statement that a person can't afford court costs, often called a pauper's oath.
The court decides whether to grant it
General information only. Whether any of these fits a particular case depends on the facts and the lease, which is a question for a lawyer.
Tennessee law often requires written notice before a landlord ends a lease. Tenants sometimes raise a notice that was missing, too short, or incomplete.
Tennessee law generally limits evicting a tenant because they complained about code violations, complained to the landlord, or joined a tenant organization.
Landlords must generally follow building and housing codes. Tenants sometimes raise serious problems they reported in writing that weren't fixed.
Tenants sometimes raise that the landlord accepted rent while knowing about the problem they now complain of.
Also explained: how service of a detainer warrant generally works.
Names, address, docket number, and what happened.
Plain-English explanations of Tennessee eviction law and lease terms.
You choose blank models and fill them in. Review, change, and print or save.
Follow the eFlex guide or file in person at the clerk's office.
eFlex is Nashville's free electronic filing system for General Sessions civil cases at efile.nashville.gov. You file your own papers; the guide shows each screen.
Your court date is printed on your detainer warrant. Many tenants aim to file papers a few days before court so the judge has time to read them. That is a common practice tip, not a court rule. A lawyer can tell you what timing makes sense for your own case.
Sample court date: Thu, Oct 29, 9:00 AM (sample)
We check Davidson County's public CaseLink record for your case and text you when a new filing appears, plus a reminder before the court date on the record.
You choose to turn on texts. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Text alerts are coming soon.
TenantGuard covers that too. For questions like which defense fits your facts, which papers to file, what your lease clause means for you, or what your deadline is, a Tennessee lawyer reviews your situation at a posted price.
Posted prices: $400 for a lawyer review, or $900 for a lawyer review and a lawyer with you in court ($400 + $500). If you choose this package, you'll be working with a lawyer in court. A lawyer will be there with you, one who has agreed to transparent, finite pricing. A lawyer for a routine Nashville eviction case typically costs $3,200. How it works.
Can't afford a lawyer? See the free legal help list.
One posted price, paid in full through General Sessions court
$400 lawyer review + $500 lawyer in court. Or the $400 lawyer review on its own.
If you choose this package, you'll be working with a lawyer in court. A lawyer will be there with you, one who has agreed to transparent, finite pricing.
How the lawyer packages work →
The $900 court-package fee, in plain words: This is a flat fee for your lawyer to represent you through the end of your case in General Sessions court. It is not refunded if your case resolves quickly or without a court appearance. If no lawyer can take your case, you get every dollar back.
TenantGuard explains common Tennessee defenses, and a Tennessee lawyer (coming soon) reviews which fit your own facts at a posted price. Free legal help organizations are listed too.
It is printed on your detainer warrant and shown on the public case record. It can come fast, so check it today.
Usually yes. If a tenant doesn't appear, the landlord can get a judgment. Tenants commonly bring copies of their papers, lease, receipts, photos and texts.
Appeals may be possible, but the time to appeal is very short. Act right away and see the Help Center for free legal help.
The eFlex guide walks you through filing online, or how filing at the clerk's office generally works.