Eviction in Knox County (Knoxville), Tennessee
Where eviction cases are filed in Knox County (Knoxville), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Knox County (Knoxville)
- Eviction court
- Knox County General Sessions Court - Civil Sessions — General Sessions Court (detainer warrants) Court page
- Filing fee
- $216.50 detainer warrant with Knox County Sheriff service ($164.50 with private process or out-of-county service, plus that county's fee); $52 per additional defendant (Knox County Sheriff); writ of possession after judgment $77. Knox 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)
- $1,471/month HUD
- Renter households
- 70,029 (35% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22
Where eviction cases are filed in Knox County (Knoxville)
Eviction cases in Knox County (Knoxville) are heard by the Knox County General Sessions Court - Civil Sessions (General Sessions Court (detainer warrants)).
- Civil Sessions Court Clerk, Old Knox County Courthouse — 300 Main Street, Room 318, Knoxville, TN 37902 (865-215-2518) · website
- General Sessions Court, City County Building — 400 Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 (865-215-2370) · website
Court eviction page · Search court records · Self-help center
Fifth Sessions Court hears civil cases; judges rotate between courts. Detainer warrant and writ of possession forms are on the Civil Sessions forms page; local rules say only approved Knox County Civil Sessions forms are accepted. Clerk hours Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Knox County (Knoxville)
$216.50 detainer warrant with Knox County Sheriff service ($164.50 with private process or out-of-county service, plus that county's fee); $52 per additional defendant (Knox County Sheriff); writ of possession after judgment $77.
From the court's official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026), linked from https://www.knoxcounty.org/civil/fee_schedules.php. Confirm the total with the clerk (865-215-2518).
Source: Knox County General Sessions Court - Civil Division, Filing Fees Effective January 1, 2026
How eviction cases work locally
| Mediation | General Sessions Court lists a mediation program (Judicial Clerk/Mediation Director); applicability to detainer cases not confirmed. Source: Official source |
|---|
The Tennessee eviction process
Tennessee state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Knox County (Knoxville):
- 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 Knox County (Knoxville)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Knoxville, TN HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,177 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,184 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,471 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,864 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,172 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Knox County (Knoxville): $1,261/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified.
Eviction help in Knox County (Knoxville)
Free legal help
- Legal Aid of East Tennessee - Knoxville office — Serves Knox, Loudon and Sevier counties; eviction and tenant rights help; office (865) 637-0484; Knoxville Eviction Prevention Program (865) 371-8730.
Other Tennessee counties
- Eviction in Shelby County (Memphis)
- Eviction in Davidson County (Nashville)
- Eviction in Hamilton County (Chattanooga)
- Eviction in Rutherford County (Murfreesboro)
- Eviction in Montgomery County (Clarksville)
Related
- Tennessee landlord-tenant law
- How long an eviction takes in Tennessee
- Tennessee eviction notice periods
- Notice deadline calculator
- How to evict a tenant in Tennessee (landlords)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an eviction in Knox County (Knoxville)?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Knox County (Knoxville)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Knox County (Knoxville)?
What is the fair market rent in Knox County (Knoxville)?
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.