Facing eviction in Nashville can feel like the floor just dropped out from under you, but there are local hotlines, mediators, and rental aid programs that can slow things down and, in a lot of cases, get you a lawyer on your side. A network of city-backed and community groups is working together to help tenants deal with court dates, mediation, and emergency assistance.
Call the Eviction Hotline First
Start by calling the Eviction Right to Counsel helpline at 833-837-HOME. When you get the voicemail, leave your name, phone number, date of birth, email address, and any upcoming court date, and have your lease and payment records handy when someone calls you back, according to NewsChannel 5.
Who's Behind the Program
The Eviction Right to Counsel effort teams up the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands with the Nashville Hispanic Bar Association, Rooftop Nashville, the American Muslim Advisory Council (AMAC), and the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center. Together, they report that they provide representation, mediation, tenant education, and rental assistance throughout Davidson County, according to the Nashville Hispanic Bar Association.
Rental Aid and Rooftops Portal
If the core problem is unpaid rent, Rooftop Nashville runs an online application for emergency rent and mortgage help. Tenants can apply through Rooftop Nashville, but the application portal only opens when funding is available, according to NewsChannel 5.
Mediation and Translation Help
The Nashville Conflict Resolution Center offers landlord-tenant mediation that can lead to payment plans or settlements outside of a courtroom, according to the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center. For tenants who need language support or help navigating services, the American Muslim Advisory Council links renters to translation and community outreach across Nashville, per AMAC.
What to Bring to Court
Show up to your court date, since skipping it usually leads to a default judgment in favor of the landlord. Tenants can often ask the judge for a short continuance to get a lawyer or documents in order. WPLN reports that a continuance can buy tenants time, often up to 15 days, to arrange representation, so bring your lease, payment history, written notices from your landlord, and any texts, emails, or letters related to the dispute, according to WPLN.
Evidence the Program Works
The ERTC pilot, launched in 2022 with Metro Council funding, has been credited with keeping families housed and cutting down on later public costs. One analysis cited in local coverage estimated roughly $3.4 million in taxpayer savings tied to the program, and the city approved another pilot year, according to WSMV.
The basic playbook is straightforward: call the hotline first, gather your paperwork, then look into mediation or rental grants if money is the sticking point. Community partners can also line up translation help. If you already have a court date on the calendar, contact the Eviction Right to Counsel intake line as soon as possible so an advocate can walk you through your next move.
