An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image forming units, a transfer belt that receives toner images from the plurality of image forming units, and a plurality of transfer rollers for rotating the transfer belt in an image forming direction. The image forming apparatus also includes a tensioner having a first end and a second end, and a tension roller coupled to the first end. The tension roller is in contact with the surface of the transfer belt. The tensioner is rotatable at a second end positioned away from a surface of the transfer belt.