Tennessee Lockouts and utility shutoffs

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Tennessee?

Landlords may not take possession, including by cutting electricity, gas, water or other essential services, except after abandonment, surrender or as the Act allows. A tenant who is unlawfully removed or has services willfully cut may recover possession or end the lease, and recover actual and punitive damages plus attorney's fees. (Applies in counties covered by the URLTA, those with more than 75,000 people.)

Verified Source: Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-28-504, 66-28-511 · last checked 2026-10-15