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Knox County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Tennessee landlords need to file a Detainer Warrant (Eviction) in Knox County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$150
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
3–6 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ Knox County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Knox County — What Landlords Should Know

Knox County follows standard Tennessee eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Knox County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Knox County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Knox County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 14-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 14-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Tennessee law.

2

File Your Detainer Warrant (Eviction) at Knox County General Sessions Court

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Knox County General Sessions Court (400 W. Main Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902). The filing fee is $150. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Knox County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Knox County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Tennessee Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Tennessee.

Knox County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $150 Paid to Knox County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $30 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$26–$30 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Knox County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Knox County?

The typical Knox County eviction takes 3–6 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Knox County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Knox County?

The court filing fee in Knox County is $150. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $206–$210.

What court handles evictions in Knox County?

Evictions in Knox County are filed at the Knox County General Sessions Court, located at 400 W. Main Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902. The case type is filed as a Detainer Warrant (Eviction).

Can I file an eviction online in Knox County?

Knox County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Knox County General Sessions Court.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Knox County?

Tennessee law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Knox County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Knox County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Tennessee.

See full Tennessee eviction laws and notice requirements.

Tennessee Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Tennessee.

Tennessee Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Knox County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Knox County →

Relevant Tennessee Statutes