How Foreclosure Works in Tennessee

Both. Tennessee law covers sales of land to foreclose a deed of trust or mortgage by a trustee without a court judgment, as well as sales under court decrees (including chancery court foreclosure decrees).

The sale must be advertised at least two times in a newspaper published in the county where the sale will be held, with the first newspaper publication at least 20 days before the sale, and posted online by a third-party internet posting company for at least 20 continuous days. On or before the first publication date, the trustee or other seller must send the debtor and any co-debtor a copy of the sale notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, including to the property's mailing address. A sale may be postponed to a specified date within one year of the original date without new newspaper publication if announced as required; if postponed more than 30 days, notice of the new date must be mailed to the debtor at least 10 calendar days before the sale.

The statute sets these minimums: the first newspaper publication must be at least 20 days before the sale, the online posting must run for at least 20 continuous days, and the mailed notice to the debtor must be sent on or before the first publication date. A postponed sale must be held within one year of the originally scheduled date.