For anyone who has experienced moving away from their city due to a job transfer, the case of a family leaving Nashville may feel familiar. They found themselves in a situation where selling their home immediately was not feasible due to uncertain market conditions, and settling into a new city would take time. With an outstanding mortgage, leaving the house vacant for several months was also a financial burden. Therefore, this family decided to rent out their home.

This family followed five steps in order: setting the rent price, advertising the property, screening applicants, drafting the lease, and checking legal regulations. The first thing they did was determine the rent price. As of August 15, 2026, the average rent in Nashville is $1,983 per month (Zumper). For a one-bedroom, it is around $1,650, and for a two-bedroom, it is about $1,870 per month. This is 3 percent higher than the national average, making it a challenging market for tenants. While this is advantageous, it also raises the income requirements for potential tenants.

Next, the family listed the property on Zillow Rental Manager and local rental platforms simultaneously. They confirmed that providing detailed descriptions and photos increased inquiries. Including specifics about the room layout, number of parking spaces, and pet policies also helped. As inquiries came in, they established a system to review applications in the order they were received, which helped avoid fairness disputes among applicants.

After receiving inquiries, they proceeded with screening. This involved checking credit scores, income verification, and previous rental history. The income requirement is often set at around three times the rent. Skipping this step could lead to issues like late rent payments later on. Conversely, applying the same criteria to all applicants and keeping a record of the evaluation process can help avoid unnecessary disputes later.

When drafting the lease, they specified the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit, pet policies, and repair responsibilities in detail. They also included information about utility responsibilities, notice periods for landlord access, and renewal procedures after the lease expires. While this may seem tedious, it certainly helps reduce potential disputes later. Instead of using a standard form, they added unique clauses specific to their home, such as yard maintenance or snow removal responsibilities.

Regarding security deposits, Tennessee state law does not set a maximum limit. However, landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out and provides a forwarding address, or send a written account of any deductions. This provides a clear standard for landlords, but missing the deadline can lead to disputes. It is also worth noting that allowable deductions are limited to unpaid rent and repair costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

If rent is overdue, the process involves sending a 14-day pay-or-quit notice after a 5-day grace period. If the overdue amount is paid within this period, the lease remains in effect. Occasionally, tenants may not respond to the notice and disappear; in such cases, landlords should not dispose of their belongings arbitrarily but should formally consult the court. If the tenant still does not leave, legal action is necessary, and forcibly removing belongings or changing locks is prohibited in this state.

The family took photos of the home on the day the tenant moved in. While this may seem like a hassle, it helps reduce disputes when settling the security deposit later. Regular homeowners insurance may not cover all tenant-related damages, so considering separate rental property insurance is also advisable.

These procedures may vary by county. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before finalizing any contracts.