Though available, free legal resources may be limited. There are regional legal aid offices across Tennessee. Legal Aid has prepared many fact sheets about common legal questions and may be able to provide some telephone or in-person help.
Help4TN is a free phone line offering legal information and referrals to low-income Tennesseans. The telephone number is 1-844-Help4TN or 1-844-435-7486. Help4TN will assist Tennesseans in finding resources to deal with civil legal issues. Those who cannot afford a lawyer may leave a message. Calls will be returned by a licensed Tennessee lawyer. Their website: www.help4tn.org has helpful resources.
The Supreme Court created an access to justice website that has information for people with civil legal needs. The site has information on how to get free legal help, how to represent yourself in court, links to court forms, and many other resources. There is an interactive map on the website where users can click on their county and find information resources in their area. The map is available at: justiceforalltn.com
Getting evicted brings with it a sudden housing change and also a mark on your credit score that can make qualifying to rent somewhere else more difficult. Be attentive about paying your rent on time and getting a receipt. It may be better to pay to live in substandard housing than not have housing to live in. If you have already been served an eviction notice, it may be too late. For more information about evictions, visit contact your local Legal Aid Society or other housing advocate.
If you qualify based on income or assistance status, the Legal Aid Society may be able to help. Contact the office near you for more information.
Tennessee Fair Housing – 615-874-2344
private, non-profit advocacy organization for housing discrimination in Davidson County
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands – 1-800-238-1443
Offices in Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Gallatin, Murfreesboro,
Nashville, Oak Ridge, and Tullahoma
Legal Aid Society of East Tennessee – 1-865-637-0484
Offices in Knoxville, Johnson City, Chattanooga, and Cleveland
West Tennessee Legal Services – 1-800-372-8346
Offices in Jackson, Dyersburg, Huntingdon, and Selmer
Memphis Area Legal Services – 1-888-207-6386
Offices in Memphis and Covington