Do I Need a Transfer on Death Deed in Tennessee?
Answer a few questions about the property to see whether a transfer on death deed applies for avoiding probate on real estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tennessee does not currently allow transfer on death deeds. Tennessee has not adopted the Uniform Real Property Transfer on Death Act or any TOD deed statute, so no transfer-on-death deed chapter exists in the Tennessee Code. The most recent URPTODA bills (HB1793/SB2029, 114th General Assembly) would have added a new Title 31, chapter 8, but died without passage: the House sponsor withdrew on 2026-02-25, the Senate companion never left the Judiciary Committee, and the 114th General Assembly adjourned sine die on 2026-04-23. No TOD deed bill is pending; the 115th General Assembly convenes on 2027-01-12.
Because Tennessee does not allow TOD deeds, alternatives for avoiding probate on real property include: Revocable living trust, Joint tenancy with right of survivorship (must be expressly stated in the deed), Tenancy by the entirety (married couples). Compare your options with the trust vs. will comparison.
Without a TOD deed option, real property in Tennessee typically passes through probate unless held in a trust or with joint tenancy. Use the Tennessee probate calculator to estimate what that would cost.
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Tennessee Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Tennessee probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.