Eviction in Hamilton County (Chattanooga), Tennessee

Where eviction cases are filed in Hamilton County (Chattanooga), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)

Eviction court: Hamilton County General Sessions Court - Civil Division — General Sessions Court (detainer warrants) Court page
Filing fee: $271.25 detainer warrant with Hamilton County Sheriff service ($169.25 taxes + $50 clerk + $52 sheriff); $273.25 if posting for possession is requested; add $52 for each additional defendant. Private, out-of-county or Secretary of State service: $219.25 plus that agent's fee. Writ of possession $77. Hamilton County General Sessions Court - Civil Division, Filing Fees Effective January 1, 2026
Notice before filing (state law): 14 days. URLTA counties: written notice that the lease will end unless the rent is paid within 14 days after the tenant receives the notice. The tenant can cure by paying. Notice may be waived only by a waiver in 12-point or larger bold type in the lease, and the 5-day late-fee grace period still applies. Non-URLTA counties: 14 days' notice for rent that is due and in arrears, upon demand. The lease does not end if the tenant pays before the date in the notice. Tennessee rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026): $1,390/month HUD
Renter households: 55,650 (36% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)

Eviction cases in Hamilton County (Chattanooga) are heard by the Hamilton County General Sessions Court - Civil Division (General Sessions Court (detainer warrants)).

Sessions Court Civil Division, Hamilton County Courts Building (1st floor) — 600 Market St, Room 110, Chattanooga, TN 37402 (423-209-7630) · website

Court eviction page · Self-help center

Detainer warrants may be filed for any amount. The clerk sets the hearing date before service but does not mail notice of court dates; the plaintiff must call the clerk to confirm service and the court date. Sessions Court has no jury trials. Clerk staff cannot give legal advice.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)

$271.25 detainer warrant with Hamilton County Sheriff service ($169.25 taxes + $50 clerk + $52 sheriff); $273.25 if posting for possession is requested; add $52 for each additional defendant. Private, out-of-county or Secretary of State service: $219.25 plus that agent's fee. Writ of possession $77.

All costs on civil warrants are prepaid unless a pauper's oath is filed (court FAQ). Out-of-county service requires a separate $52 check to that county's sheriff.

Source: Hamilton County General Sessions Court - Civil Division, Filing Fees Effective January 1, 2026

How eviction cases work locally

Writ of possession and appeal	A writ of possession may not issue until the eleventh day after judgment; the landlord must request it and arrange service through the Sheriff's Department, and the landlord is responsible for removing belongings left behind. An appeal must be filed within ten days after judgment. Source: Official source

The Tennessee eviction process

Tennessee state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Hamilton County (Chattanooga):

Notice of termination: 14 days for nonpayment (URLTA 66-28-505(a)(2); non-URLTA 66-7-109(a)); 14 or 30 days for other breaches; 3 days for violent or dangerous conduct (66-28-517; 66-7-109(d)); or no notice if the lease contains a valid bold-type waiver for nonpayment (URLTA, 66-28-505(b))
Landlord files a detainer warrant in General Sessions Court
Service on the tenant or any adult in possession; by certified mail through the sheriff or constable; or, if personal service is dispensed with, by publication plus posting on the front door at least 15 days before the appearance date (29-18-115)
Trial: the serving officer notifies the tenant of the trial date, which must be at least 6 days after service (29-18-117)
Judgment for possession (and rent or damages if sought)
Appeal: either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 10 days (27-5-108; 29-18-128). A tenant who appeals must post a bond, cash deposit, letter of credit, or two personal sureties for one year's rent (29-18-130(b)(2))
Writ of possession: may not issue until 10 days after judgment (29-18-126). If no appeal is taken, it issues by operation of law (27-5-108(d)(2))

Full Tennessee eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Chattanooga, TN-GA MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio	$1,211
1 bedroom	$1,263
2 bedrooms	$1,390
3 bedrooms	$1,734
4 bedrooms	$1,853

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Hamilton County (Chattanooga): $1,253/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; city rules (if any) are covered on city pages.

Eviction help in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)

Free legal help

Legal Aid of East Tennessee - Chattanooga office — Serves Hamilton and nearby counties; Chattanooga (800) 572-7457.

Other Tennessee counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)?

Eviction cases in Hamilton County (Chattanooga) are filed with the Hamilton County General Sessions Court - Civil Division.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)?

Where can I get help with an eviction in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)?

Legal Aid of East Tennessee - Chattanooga office.

What is the fair market rent in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)?

HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,390 per month (1-bedroom: $1,263).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.