Tennessee Code Title 29. Remedies and Special Proceedings § 29-17-104

(2)(A) After the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of the giving of notice, if the right to take has not been challenged in an answer, the condemner shall have the right to take possession of the property or property rights sought to be condemned; and

(B) If the right to take is challenged in an answer within thirty (30) days from the date of the giving of notice, the court shall promptly determine, as a matter of law, whether the condemner has the right to take the property or property rights sought to be condemned. If the court determines that the condemner has the right to take, the condemner shall thereupon have the right to take possession thereof.