How do I file a complaint against a landlord?

If you are a tenant in Tennessee and you believe that your landlord has violated the law, you can file a complaint against them. The first step is to contact your landlord directly and make attempts to resolve the issue. If this does not resolve the issue, then you can file a formal complaint. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts offers a pamphlet with detailed information on filing tenant complaints. This packet can be found online or at your local county courthouse. The packet contains information about the parties involved in the dispute, as well as the filing fee. Once your complaint is filed, a hearing and/or mediation may be scheduled. During this process, the tenant is able to make their case and the landlord has an opportunity to respond. After reviewing evidence and testimony, a judge or mediator will issue an order, which is binding on both parties. If the landlord does not comply with the court order, the tenant is able to contact the sheriff and request they enforce the order. The sheriff may then take steps to enforce the order, such as evicting the tenant if the landlord has failed to make repairs or pay back rent. In addition, the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office may be contacted if the landlord has violated the landlord tenant laws. In this instance, the Attorney General’s Office may choose to investigate or file a lawsuit against the landlord. It is important for tenants to remember that filing a complaint against a landlord does not guarantee that the tenant will win the lawsuit. However, it is the best way to protect your legal rights as a tenant and seek a resolution to the dispute.

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