Eviction in Shelby County (Memphis), Tennessee
Where eviction cases are filed in Shelby County (Memphis), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Shelby County (Memphis)
- Eviction court
- Shelby County General Sessions Court - Civil Division — General Sessions Court (forcible entry and detainer) Court page
- 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)
- $1,274/month HUD
- Renter households
- 166,362 (46% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22
Where eviction cases are filed in Shelby County (Memphis)
Eviction cases in Shelby County (Memphis) are heard by the Shelby County General Sessions Court - Civil Division (General Sessions Court (forcible entry and detainer)).
- Judge D'Army Bailey Courthouse - General Sessions Civil Clerk — 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103 (901-222-3400; fax 901-222-3413) · website
- Mullins Station Office - General Sessions Court — 1075 Mullins Station Road, Room W115, Memphis, TN 38134 (901-222-7900) · website
Court eviction page · Search court records · Self-help center
Six civil judges hear about 65,000 new cases a year, including forcible entry and detainer (eviction) actions. Filings are accepted in person, by mail, or by fax with payment (not by email); the court says electronic filing is 'coming soon'. The clerk does not notify plaintiffs of court settings - the server sets the court date upon service; check case status with the Clerk, Sheriff or process server. Court dates: https://gs4.shelbycountytn.gov/186/Calendars. A 24-hour Clerk's Office at 201 Poplar, Suite LL-126 accepts civil filings after hours.
How eviction cases work locally
| Hearing scheduling | The server sets the court date upon successful service and returns process to the Clerk; the Clerk does not notify plaintiffs of settings. Source: Official source |
|---|---|
| Writ of possession | If the tenant does not vacate after judgment, the owner obtains a Writ of Possession from the Clerk's Office (with a filing fee); the server arranges to meet the owner at the premises for the eviction. Source: Official source |
| Appeal | Appeals to Circuit Court must be filed within ten days of judgment; $213.50 filing fee plus bond; FED bond requirements differ from other civil suits. Source: Official source |
The Tennessee eviction process
Tennessee state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Shelby County (Memphis):
- 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 Shelby County (Memphis)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Memphis, TN-MS-AR HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,060 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,154 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,683 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,959 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Shelby County (Memphis): $1,232/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified.
Eviction help in Shelby County (Memphis)
Free legal help
- Memphis Area Legal Services — Free civil legal help for low-income, disabled and elderly Shelby County residents; (901) 523-8822; General Sessions Courthouse Clinic, Room 119, 140 Adams Ave.
City rules in Shelby County (Memphis)
Other Tennessee counties
- Eviction in Davidson County (Nashville)
- Eviction in Knox County (Knoxville)
- 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 Shelby County (Memphis)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Shelby County (Memphis)?
What is the fair market rent in Shelby County (Memphis)?
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.