Recently, I consulted with a family who had to leave their home unexpectedly due to a job transfer to another state. They didn't have enough time to sell the house, and leaving it vacant felt wasteful with the mortgage, so they decided to rent it out. The challenge was that they had never rented out a property before. In such cases, knowing the steps can make it easier than expected.

The first thing to decide is the rental price. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Clarksville as of June 2026 is $1,257, while Zumper reports it slightly higher at $1,395 for the same period. The difference in these figures is due to different survey methods, but when setting the rent, it's best to find and compare several listings with a similar number of bedrooms in the same neighborhood. For reference, a one-bedroom typically rents for just over $1,000, while a three-bedroom goes for around $1,500.

To be more specific, you should find four or five comparable listings within a one-mile radius that have a similar number of bedrooms and bathrooms. The average figures available online are broad and may not accurately reflect your neighborhood. Remember that setting the rent too high can lead to longer vacancy periods, which could result in greater losses than if you had priced it slightly lower to fill it quickly.

Once you've set the rent, it's time to post your advertisement. Simply put, this means uploading photos and descriptions to online rental sites and waiting for inquiries. Common platforms include Zumper and Zillow Rental Manager. Take photos during the day when it's bright, and clearly state the rent, deposit, and pet policy to reduce unnecessary inquiries.

When inquiries come in, don't rush to sign a lease; first, you need to screen potential tenants. If the term is unfamiliar, think of it this way: it's a process to check if the person can pay on time based on their credit score, if they can afford the rent based on income verification, and if they have a history of paying rent on time by contacting previous landlords. Many landlords use the guideline that income should be at least three times the rent.

When receiving applications, it's a good idea to request a copy of a government-issued ID, recent pay stubs for the last two months, or bank statements, along with contact information for previous landlords. Remember that making judgments based solely on verbal information can lead to discrepancies later on.

The next step is the lease agreement. It should include the rental amount, payment due date, deposit, lease term, maintenance responsibilities, and pet policies. Especially if you had to leave your home unexpectedly, it's wise to reflect any plans to return to the property in the lease term.

Even after signing the lease, the landlord's responsibilities don't end. In Tennessee, landlords are responsible for maintaining basic utilities like heating, plumbing, and electricity in working order. Before the tenant moves in, create a condition checklist and document the state of the property with the tenant to minimize disputes over the security deposit later.

Tennessee does not set a maximum limit for security deposits. However, if a tenant provides their new address upon moving out, the deposit must be returned within 30 days along with an itemized list of deductions. You must inspect the property and create a deduction list within five days of the move-out; failing to do so may require you to return the full deposit without any deductions.

If rent is overdue, you must first send a 14-day notice for payment or eviction. There is a grace period of five days from the due date during which late fees cannot be charged. If the same issue occurs again within six months, it escalates to a 7-day notice, and at that point, even if the overdue rent is paid, the lease cannot be maintained.

However, these procedures may vary slightly by county. The information provided here is general, and it's advisable to consult with a lawyer or real estate professional before finalizing any agreements.