Tennessee Debt Collection Law at a Glance
Federal Protection
15 USC §1692g — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. 30-day validation window from first written contact. Collector must cease collection upon written dispute.
State Supplement
Tenn. Code §62-20-101 et seq. — Tennessee Collection Service Act
Damages available: Actual damages; AG enforcement with license revocation
Collector Licensing
Debt collectors in Tennessee must be licensed under Tenn. Code §62-20-103. Unlicensed collection activity may constitute an additional violation.
Statute of Limitations
- Credit card / revolving: 6 years
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 6 years
- Promissory notes: 6 years
- (Tenn. Code §28-3-109)
Where to File Complaints
- Tennessee Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Small claims limit: $25,000
Additional Protections
- Collection agencies must be licensed by the Tennessee Collection Service Board
- Consumer Protection Act (Tenn. Code §47-18-101 et seq.) covers deceptive collection practices
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Tennessee Debt Validation FAQ
What is the FDCPA 30-day validation period for debt collectors contacting me in Tennessee?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC §1692g), you have 30 calendar days from the date a debt collector first contacts you in writing to request validation of the debt. During this time, the collector must cease collection activity if you dispute the debt in writing. This federal right applies in all 50 states including Tennessee.
Does Tennessee have its own debt collection protection law beyond the FDCPA?
Yes. Tennessee provides additional consumer protections under Tenn. Code §62-20-101 et seq. (Tennessee Collection Service Act). Violations may result in: Actual damages; AG enforcement with license revocation.
Are debt collectors required to be licensed in Tennessee?
Yes. Under Tenn. Code §62-20-103, debt collectors operating in Tennessee must be licensed. If a collector contacting you is not properly licensed, this may constitute an additional violation that strengthens your dispute.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations varies by debt type: credit card/revolving debt is 6 years, written contracts are 6 years, and oral contracts are 6 years (Tenn. Code §28-3-109). If your debt is past the statute of limitations, a collector cannot legally sue you to collect it, and threatening legal action on time-barred debt may violate the FDCPA.
What should I include in a debt validation letter sent from Tennessee?
Your debt validation letter should: (1) reference the FDCPA (15 USC §1692g), (2) demand verification of the debt amount, (3) request proof of the collector's authority to collect, (4) ask for the original creditor's name and address, (5) request a copy of the original agreement, and (6) cite any applicable Tennessee state protections. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Can I sue a debt collector who violates my rights in Tennessee?
Yes. Under the FDCPA (15 USC §1692k), you can sue for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees. Under Tennessee law, you may also seek: Actual damages; AG enforcement with license revocation. You can file in Tennessee small claims court for claims up to $25,000.
Debt Validation Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.