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Tennessee does not authorize transfer on death deeds. 3 alternatives are available to transfer real property at death without probate.
Tennessee has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute. TCA Title 66 contains no transfer-on-death deed chapter. The most recent URPTODA bill (HB1793) had its sponsor withdrawn on 2026-02-25; the Senate companion (SB2029) stalled in the Judiciary Committee.
Multiple URPTODA bills introduced and none enacted: HB1600/SB660 (112th GA, 2021-2022); SB984 (114th GA, 2025; last action 2/12/2025 referred to Senate Judiciary Committee); HB1793/SB2029 (114th GA, 2025-2026; HB1793 sponsor(s) withdrawn 2/25/2026; SB2029 last action 2/5/2026 referred to Senate Judiciary Committee). Tennessee courts have not clearly endorsed "Lady Bird" / enhanced life estate deeds, so that workaround is not a reliable substitute as it is in FL or TX.
These mechanisms transfer real property at death without probate in Tennessee:
Consult a licensed attorney for help choosing the right mechanism for your situation.
Tennessee legislators have introduced bills to authorize transfer on death deeds. The law has not been enacted as of the verification date (2026-05-27).
Tennessee has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute. TCA Title 66 contains no transfer-on-death deed chapter. The most recent URPTODA bill (HB1793) had its sponsor withdrawn on 2026-02-25; the Senate companion (SB2029) stalled in the Judiciary Committee.
Tennessee recognizes 3 alternatives for transferring real property outside of probate: Revocable living trust; Joint tenancy with right of survivorship; Tenancy by the entirety (married couples).
No. Real property transfers are governed by the state where the property is located. A TOD deed signed under another state's law has no effect on real property in Tennessee.
Yes. Legislation authorizing transfer on death deeds has been proposed in Tennessee, but is not currently enacted. Multiple URPTODA bills introduced and none enacted: HB1600/SB660 (112th GA, 2021-2022); SB984 (114th GA, 2025; last action 2/12/2025 referred to Senate Judiciary Committee); HB1793/SB2029 (114th GA, 2025-2026; HB1793 sponsor(s) withdrawn 2/25/2026; SB2029 last action 2/5/2026 referred to Senate Judiciary Committee). Tennessee courts have not clearly endorsed "Lady Bird" / enhanced life estate deeds, so that workaround is not a reliable substitute as it is in FL or TX.