# Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-105: Jurisdiction and service of process > Tennessee · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-105 ## Section - **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-105 - **Heading:** Jurisdiction and service of process - **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** TN Code / Title 66 / Chapter 28 / Section 66-28-105 ## Text (a) The general sessions and circuit courts of this state shall exercise original jurisdiction over any landlord or tenant with respect to any conduct in this state governed by this chapter. In addition to any other method provided by rule or by statute, personal jurisdiction over the parties may be acquired in a civil action or proceeding instituted in law or equity by service of process in the manner provided by law. (b) A landlord who is not a resident of this state or is a corporation not authorized to do business in this state and engages in a transaction subject to this chapter may designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. The agent shall be a resident of this state or a corporation authorized to do business in this state. The designation shall be in writing, filed with the secretary of state, and must set forth the name and street address, including zip code, of the agent, the name and street address, including zip code, of the landlord and be accompanied by a ten-dollar filing fee. If no designation is made and filed or if process cannot be served in this state upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the secretary of state forthwith by mailing a copy of the process and pleading by registered or certified mail to the defendant or respondent at that party's last known address. The process must be accompanied by a ten-dollar fee and specify the address of the defendant. An affidavit of service shall be filed by the secretary of state with the clerk of the court on or before the return day of the process. Acts 1975, ch. 245, § 1.203; T.C.A., § 64-2805; Acts 1991, ch. 297, § 1. (a) The general sessions and circuit courts of this state shall exercise original jurisdiction over any landlord or tenant with respect to any conduct in this state governed by this chapter. In addition to any other method provided by rule or by statute, personal jurisdiction over the parties may be acquired in a civil action or proceeding instituted in law or equity by service of process in the manner provided by law. (b) A landlord who is not a resident of this state or is a corporation not authorized to do business in this state and engages in a transaction subject to this chapter may designate an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. The agent shall be a resident of this state or a corporation authorized to do business in this state. The designation shall be in writing, filed with the secretary of state, and must set forth the name and street address, including zip code, of the agent, the name and street address, including zip code, of the landlord and be accompanied by a ten-dollar filing fee. If no designation is made and filed or if process cannot be served in this state upon the designated agent, process may be served upon the secretary of state forthwith by mailing a copy of the process and pleading by registered or certified mail to the defendant or respondent at that party's last known address. The process must be accompanied by a ten-dollar fee and specify the address of the defendant. An affidavit of service shall be filed by the secretary of state with the clerk of the court on or before the return day of the process. Acts 1975, ch. 245, § 1.203; T.C.A., § 64-2805; Acts 1991, ch. 297, § 1. ## Nearby sections - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-101 Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-101.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-102 Application - Preemption](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-102.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-103 Purposes - Rules of construction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-103.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-104 Chapter definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-104.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-105 Jurisdiction and service of process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-105.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-106 Notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-106.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-107 Residential landlord registration](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-107.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-108 Notification sent by e-mail](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-108.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-201 Terms and conditions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-201.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-202 Effect of unsigned or undelivered agreement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-202.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-203 Prohibited provisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-203.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-204 Unconscionability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-204.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-205 Termination of residential lease by domestic abuse victim, sexual assault victim, or stalking victim](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-205.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-301 Security deposits](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-301.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T66_C28_S66-28-105. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.