Debt Collection Laws in Tennessee

Dena Standley | August 03, 2023

Legal Expert, Paralegal
Dena Standley, BA

Dena Standley is a seasoned paralegal with more than 20 years of experience in legal research and writing, having received a certification as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal from Southern Technical College.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: Tennessee protects its consumers using state and federal debt collection laws. Consumers often stop debt collectors' calls or win their debt collection cases using the laws in their favor. Explore your consumer rights in this article and learn how to resolve your debt.

Like in all states, debt collection in Tennessee is a common practice that creditors engage in to recover unpaid debts from consumers. Sometimes, they follow the law and act professionally, but often, they violate your consumer rights.

As such, Tennessee debt collection laws were put in place to monitor debt collectors' behavior. Federal debt collection laws also outline rules and regulations that debt collectors must follow when attempting to collect a debt. These laws were designed to protect consumers, like you, from unfair debt collection practices.

In this article, we explore these rules and regulations and empower you to respond to debt collectors at any stage of the collection process.

Sued for debt in Tennessee? Use SoloSettle to settle the debt for good.

Settle with SoloSettle

Make an Offer

Tennessee debt collection laws protect consumers

The Tennessee Collection Services Act (under the Tennessee Compilation of Rules & Regulations Chapter 0320-05 ) protects consumers from unlawful collection practices by debt collectors. These laws explain what, when, how, and for how long a creditor can follow up on debt. The following is a breakdown of this Tennessee debt collection law.

Debt communication

Section Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0320-05-.03 of the Tennessee laws stipulate the kind of communication a debt collector can have with you. For instance, debt collectors should not:

Communicate with you at unreasonable hours, like before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
Call you numerous times for the same debt
Communicate with third parties, such as friends and family, about your debt
Communicate with you after you have sent a cease and desist letter
Call you at your place of work once you request them to stop
Contact you if you hired an attorney to represent you

Harassment and abuse

According to Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0320-05-.04, debt collectors should not engage in any conduct that may be interpreted as harassment, oppression, or abuse of a consumer in connection to debt. Examples of these actions are:

Use of threats to harm the reputation, property, or physical body of the debtor
Use of obscene or profane language
Publishing your name on a list of consumers who allegedly refuse to pay a debt, except to a consumer reporting agency
Calling or engaging you consistently with the aim to abuse, annoy, or harass you
Refusing to identify themselves when they call

Debt validation

In section 0320-05-.07 of the Tennessee debt collection law, a creditor should respond to a Debt Validation Letter within five days of receiving it. The written verification notice should contain the following:

The debt amount
The name of the original creditor
A statement that the debt would be assumed valid if not disputed
A statement that you can legally dispute the debt
A statement that they will provide more information on the credit upon request

Sending a Debt Validation Letter can stop debt collectors' calls. To learn more about how a Debt Validation Letter can stop debt collector calls and protect you from a looming lawsuit, watch this video.

Unfair practices

Tennessee debt collection laws prohibit debt collectors from using unfair or unethical ways to attempt to collect or collect a debt (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0320-05-.06). For example, a creditor should not:

Collect money that is not in the agreement or permitted by law
Fail to mention the true purpose of their communication in a misleading way
Charge you telegram fees or for calls they make in an attempt to collect
Request for a post-dated check, then use it to threaten you or initiate a criminal charge against you

How does the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act protect consumers in Tennessee?

In addition to the state laws, Tennessee consumers can also use the federal laws under the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act to protect themselves from illegal debt collection practices. These laws are similar to the state laws and are there to support and enhance a consumer's chances of receiving a fair and just outcome.

Let’s take a look at an example of how the FDCPA protects consumers.

Example: Brad owed Fancy Credits $690 that he had defaulted from paying for three months. The debt collectors started calling him multiple times a day, and they failed to stop even when he sent a cease and desist letter. Instead, they escalated their efforts and called his roommate and sister to ask about his debt. At this point, Brain knew Fancy Credits violated more than one debt collection law and took action against them.

The following are the steps you can take to deal with creditors when they violate the debt collection laws in Tennessee.

Steps to take after a debt collector violates your rights

Undoubtedly, almost all debt collectors violate state and federal laws when you resist their attempts to collect. Even when you ignore them, they are not permitted to break the law. Here are the steps to take when a debt collector violates the law:

Keep an accurate record of all communication with the debt collector, especially when they violate your rights. If they have called a third party, get the documents or print the call log.
Inform them of the violations and request them to correct or you will take further action against them. Go to step three if they fail to respond.
Submit a complaint with your State’s attorney general's office, Better Business Bureau, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and Fair Trade Commission.
If they have entered the wrong figures in your credit report, dispute the debt with the three credit bureaus. These institutions will act within 30 days and either adjust or remove the debt.
If the creditor fails to amend the mistake or change their approach and it costs you financial loss or harm, then File a lawsuit for damages under the Tennessee debt collection laws and FDCPA.

SoloSuit can help you deal with persistent debt collectors before, during, and after a debt lawsuit is filed in Tennessee.

Settle your debts in Tennessee

The surest way to get debt collectors off your back is by paying what you owe. But if you go about this wisely, you can usually settle your debt for a steep discount.

In a debt settlement, you offer your creditor a portion of the total amount due, usually at least 60% of the debt’s value. In exchange for a lump-sum payment, the creditor agrees to drop its legal claims against you and release you from the remaining balance.

Settling your debt helps you avoid a judgment and wage garnishment. You’ll save some money and move on from this challenging experience.

SoloSettle, powered by SoloSuit, is a tech-based approach to debt settlement. Our software helps you send and receive settlement offers until you reach an agreement with the collector. Once an agreement is reached, we’ll help you manage the settlement documentation and transfer your payment to the creditor or debt collector, helping you keep your financial information private and secure.

To learn more about how to settle a debt in Nevada, check out this video:

Key takeaways

Tennessee debt collection laws, as well as federal laws, have been created with the intent of leveling the proverbial playing field between a consumer and a debt collector. Here are some key takeaways on this article on debt collection laws in Tennessee:

Tennessee debt collection laws protect consumers from unlawful collection practices, including rules on debt communication, harassment, debt validation, and unfair practices.
Federal debt collection laws under the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act also protect consumers in Tennessee from illegal debt collection practices.
If a debt collector violates your rights, you can take steps such as keeping records, informing them of violations, submitting complaints, disputing incorrect information on your credit report, and filing a lawsuit for damages.
Settling your debt in Tennessee through SoloSettle can help you avoid judgment and wage garnishment and save money.
SoloSettle's tech-based approach facilitates debt settlement by assisting in sending and receiving settlement offers until an agreement is reached and managing settlement documentation securely.

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.

Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

We have answers

Join our community of over 40,000 people.

You can ask your questions on the SoloSuit forum and the community will help you out. Whether you need help now are are just look for support, we're here for you.

Get Started

Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

Going to Court for Credit Card Debt — Key Tips

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

How to Settle a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit — Ultimate Guide

Get answers to these FAQs

Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.

Why do debt collectors block their phone numbers?

How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?

What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?

Is Zombie Debt Still a Problem in 2019?

SoloSuit FAQ

If a car is repossessed, do I still owe the debt?

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?

Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?

What is a default judgment?— What do I do?

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?

What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?

What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

What is the Deadline for a Defendants Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?

Can a Judgement Creditor Take my Car?

Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?

Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?

Do I Need a Payday Loans Lawyer?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? — Student Loan Debt Guide

Am I Responsible for My Spouses Medical Debt?

Should I Marry Someone With Debt?

Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?

What Is a Warrant in Debt?

How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?

Can an Eviction Be Reversed?

Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?

What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?

Does Student Debt Die With You?

Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?

How Much Do You Have to Be in Debt to File for Chapter 7?

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?

Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Work in Florida?

The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?

Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?

Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?

What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?

Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?

Learn More With These Additional Resources:

Need help managing your finances? Check out these resources.

How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney

How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know

How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)

Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector

Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency

Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.

Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors

The Ultimate Guide to Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah

West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

What debt collectors cannot do — FDCPA explained

Defending Yourself in Court Against Debt Collector

How to Liquidate Debt

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Youre Drowning in Debt — Heres How to Swim

Help! Im Being Sued by My Debt Collector

How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment

How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

ClearPoint Debt Management Review

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt

Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say

CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review

How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter

How to Appear in Court by Phone

How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands

Debt Consolidation in Eugene, Oregon

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement

Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Heres What to Do

How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection

Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt

Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

How to File in Small Claims Court in Iowa

How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court

Roseland Associates Debt Consolidation Review

How to Stop a Garnishment

Debt Eraser Review

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?

Can They Garnish Your Wages for Credit Card Debt?

How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?

How Long Does a Judgement Last?

How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?

How to Beat a Bill Collector in Court

Not sued yet?

Use our Debt Validation Letter.

Out Debt Validation Letter is the best way to respond to a collection letter. Many debt collectors will simply give up after receiving it.

Let's Do It

It only takes 15 minutes.

And 50% of our customers' cases have been dismissed in the past.

"Finding yourself on the wrong side of the law unexpectedly is kinda scary. I started researching on YouTube and found SoloSuit's channel. The videos were so helpful, easy to understand and encouraging. When I reached out to SoloSuit they were on it. Very professional, impeccably prompt. Thanks for the service!" - Heather