66-28-503 - Fire or casualty damage.
66-28-503. Fire or casualty damage.
(a) If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty to an extent that the use of the dwelling unit is substantially impaired, the tenant:
(1) May immediately vacate the premises; and
(2) Shall notify the landlord in writing within fourteen (14) days thereafter of the tenant's intention to terminate the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates as of the date of vacating.
(b) If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall return all prepaid rent and security deposits recoverable under § 66-28-301. Accounting for rent in the event of termination or apportionment is to occur as of the date of the casualty.
[Acts 1975, ch. 245, § 4.103; T.C.A., § 64-2843.]