Tennessee law

Construction Defect Laws in Tennessee.

Tennessee construction defect claims are governed by the general 4-year statute of limitations for real-property improvements (Tenn. Code § 28-3-202) and a 4-year statute of repose from substantial completion — extended to 8 years for fraudulent concealment. Tennessee licenses general contractors through the Board for Licensing Contractors. Mechanics' liens provide security. Tennessee has a Home Improvement Contractor Licensing Act for residential improvements.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

4 years; 4-year statute of reposeTenn. Code § 28-3-202

4-year statute from time of injury or discovery. 4-year statute of repose bars actions against designers, builders, or contractors more than 4 years after substantial completion (extended to 8 years for fraudulent concealment). Among the shorter reposes in the U.S.

State law

Key Tennessee Statutes

Tennessee Contractor Licensing ActTenn. Code § 62-6-101 et seq.

Requires licensing for projects $25,000 or more. Unlicensed contractors cannot enforce contracts and may face penalties. Administered by the Board for Licensing Contractors.

Home Improvement Contractor LicensingTenn. Code § 62-37-101 et seq.

Requires licensing for home-improvement work over specified thresholds in specified counties.

Mechanics' LiensTenn. Code § 66-11-101 et seq.

Contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers may file mechanics' liens against improved real property. Filing deadline: 90 days from last furnishing.

Implied Warranty of Habitability (New Home)Tennessee common law

New-home builders impliedly warrant that the home is reasonably fit for habitation.

State law

Official Sources

TN Board for Licensing Contractors Tennessee Code

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.

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Construction Defect Laws in Tennessee.

Statute of Limitations

Key Tennessee Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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