Retaliation

An illegal action by a landlord in response to a tenant exercising their legal rights. If a tenant reports a code violation and the landlord responds with a rent increase, non-renewal, or eviction, that is retaliation. Tennessee law prohibits retaliatory actions (TCA 66-28-514). A tenant who can prove retaliation can use it as a defense in eviction proceedings and may recover damages. Document your reasons for any adverse action against a tenant.