Cal. Civ. Code § 66-28-404
Use and occupation by tenant.
Operative Text
Unless otherwise agreed, the tenant shall occupy the dwelling unit only as a dwelling unit. The rental agreement may require that the tenant notify the landlord of any anticipated extended absence from the premises in excess of seven (7) days. Notice shall be given on or before the first day of any extended absence.
Under Tennessee Code Ann. § 66-28-404, a residential rental unit must be used as a dwelling unless the landlord and tenant have agreed otherwise. A lease may also include a clause requiring the tenant to give advance notice—by the first day of the absence—whenever the tenant plans to be away from the unit for more than seven consecutive days. This provision sets the baseline expectation that rental property is occupied for residential purposes and that landlords may contractually stay informed of prolonged vacancies.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section 66-28-404 gives property owners the option to include an extended-absence notification clause in the lease, requiring tenants to report planned absences longer than seven days no later than the first day of that absence. Compliant operators typically draft lease language that clearly defines what constitutes an extended absence and specifies how notice should be delivered. Reviewing lease agreements to confirm that any such clause is explicitly written—rather than assumed—helps ensure the provision's protections are available.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-404, a tenant's primary obligation is to use the unit as a residence, and any deviation from that use generally requires the landlord's agreement. If a lease contains an extended-absence notification requirement, tenants are expected to provide notice by the first day of any absence exceeding seven days. Tenants who have questions about how their lease applies to a specific absence or use situation may benefit from consulting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Tennessee landlord-tenant 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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