Nashville Leaders Urge Landlord Compassion for Tenants After Winter Storm

Legal Aid Society director calls for patience and understanding as city recovers from historic storm.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:31am

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As Nashville continues to recover from Winter Storm Fern, the director of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands is appealing to local landlords to show compassion and grace to tenants who may be struggling. The city's eviction right to counsel program, supported by Mayor Freddie O'Connell, is seen as a key tool to assist Nashvillians at risk of eviction in the storm's aftermath, though officials note an outright pause on evictions is not possible under state law.

Why it matters

The winter storm has strained Nashville's community, and evictions could displace many families at a difficult time. The city's eviction assistance program aims to provide legal support, but landlords are also being urged to work with tenants facing hardship.

The details

The Legal Aid Society director, DarKenya Waller, said Davidson County already sees about 1,000 eviction filings per month, and she expects that number to rise in the wake of the historic winter storm. While the city's eviction right to counsel program is active, Mayor Freddie O'Connell noted Nashville is prevented from imposing an outright pause on evictions due to state law. Waller also said low-income homeowners facing mortgage foreclosure can reach out to Legal Aid for assistance.

  • The briefing where Waller and O'Connell spoke took place on February 3, 2026.

The players

DarKenya Waller

The executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.

Freddie O'Connell

The mayor of Nashville, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“These storms have strained every corner of our community. We ask for your compassion, patience and neighborly grace as tenants work to recover. A small extension, a conversation or a bit of understanding can prevent a family from losing their home, children being displaced, as they navigate during an already difficult time.”

— DarKenya Waller, Executive Director, Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands

“This program has been in our budget, it is active today and we are working also on every legal option in our power to provide eviction relief right now.”

— Freddie O'Connell, Mayor of Nashville

What’s next

The judge overseeing eviction cases in Davidson County will be closely monitoring the situation and working with the Legal Aid Society to ensure tenants have access to the resources and support they need during this difficult time.

The takeaway

Nashville's eviction assistance program and the call for landlord compassion highlight the city's efforts to support vulnerable residents impacted by the winter storm. However, the limitations of state law mean an outright pause on evictions is not possible, underscoring the challenges facing local leaders as they work to prevent displacement and homelessness in the storm's aftermath.