Cal. Civ. Code § 66-28-303
Possession of dwelling.
Operative Text
At the commencement of the terms, the landlord shall deliver possession of the premises to the tenant in compliance with the rental agreement and § 66-28-304. The landlord may bring an action for possession against any person wrongfully in possession and may recover the damages provided in § 66-28-512(c).
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-303, a landlord is required to deliver the rental premises to the tenant at the start of the lease term in a condition that meets the rental agreement and the habitability standards referenced in § 66-28-304. If someone is unlawfully occupying the property at that time, the landlord has a legal avenue to pursue possession through the courts. The landlord may also seek monetary damages under § 66-28-512(c) in connection with such a wrongful occupancy situation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-303 places the responsibility on property owners and managers to ensure the unit is actually available and delivered to the incoming tenant on the agreed-upon start date, consistent with both the lease terms and § 66-28-304 habitability requirements. Compliant operators typically confirm that prior occupants have vacated and that the unit is ready before the new tenancy begins. When a holdover occupant or other unauthorized party refuses to leave, the statute provides a legal mechanism to pursue a court action for possession and to recover damages as outlined in § 66-28-512(c).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-303 establishes that tenants have a right to actually receive possession of their rental unit at the start of the lease term, in compliance with the rental agreement and the habitability standards of § 66-28-304. If a landlord fails to deliver possession as required, this provision may be relevant to any legal claim or defense a tenant pursues. Tenants who encounter this situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand the options available under Tennessee law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 29, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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