Tennessee § 28-2-111 - Period of validity of liens — Extension.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-2-111 — Period of validity of liens — Extension., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 28-2-111. Period of validity of liens — Extension.

Liens on realty, equitable or retained in favor of vendor on the face of the deed, also liens of mortgages, deeds of trust, and assignments of realty executed to secure debts, shall be barred, and the liens discharged, unless suits to enforce the same be brought within ten (10) years from the maturity of the debt. Subsection (a) shall not apply to lands sold for school purposes, whereon liens have been retained for the payment of the purchase money, nor to persons under disability, until three (3) years after the removal of the same. Original liens on realty retained in favor of vendors on the face of a deed, also original liens of mortgages, deeds of trust, and assignments of realty executed to secure debts, may be extended without their priority or legal effectiveness being in any way impaired, for any period of time agreed upon and beyond the ten-year period from the maturity of the obligation or debt, as provided for in subsection (a); such extension shall be evidenced by a written instrument, which shall, prior to or within ten (10) years from the maturity of the obligation or debt, be duly executed and acknowledged and be filed for record with the register of the county in which the realty affected is located and be there recorded, all in accordance with the statutes of this state in that regard; and when so filed for record such instrument of extension shall be constructive notice to all persons, as provided by the registration laws of this state; and such instrument shall contain a brief recital of the facts with reference to the original lien and shall provide that the lien shall continue, for a definite period of time in the future, to secure the remaining obligation or debt due under and secured by the original lien, and it shall not be necessary that there be any increase or decrease in the terms of the original obligation either of principal or interest. Acts 1885, ch. 9, §§ 1, 2; Shan., §§ 4464, 4465; mod. Code 1932, §§ 8590, 8591; Acts 1943, ch. 129, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 8590.1; T.C.A. (orig.ed.), §§ 28-212—28-214. Textbooks. Tennessee Jurisprudence, 1 Tenn. Juris., Adverse Possession, §§ 3, 25, 62; 12 Tenn. Juris., Executors and Administrators, § 40; 18 Tenn. Juris., Liens, §§ 10, 12; 18 Tenn. Juris., Limitations of Actions, § 17; 19 Tenn. Juris., Mortgages and Deeds of Trust, § 50; 24 Tenn. Juris., Vendor and Purchaser, § 68. Law Reviews. Power of Sale Foreclosure in Tennessee, 8 Mem. St. U.L. Rev. 871. The Tennessee Recording System (Toxey H. Sewell), 50 Tenn. L. Rev. 1 (1982).

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 28-2-111

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-2-111 cover?

Section 28-2-111 ("Period of validity of liens — Extension.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 28-2-111?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 28-2-111" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 28-2-111 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.