AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 66, relative to rental agreements.
Summary
HB1345 amends Tennessee landlord-tenant law to shorten certain notice periods used to terminate residential tenancies and begin eviction proceedings. For nonpayment of rent and for willful or intentional violent or dangerous conduct by a tenant or someone on the premises with the tenant’s consent, the bill reduces the landlord’s notice period from 14 days to 7 days. It keeps a 14-day notice period for eviction based on damage beyond normal wear and tear to the rental property.
The bill also makes conforming changes to related provisions in Title 66 governing rental agreements and termination notices, and it applies only to rental agreements entered into, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. In practical terms, it would give landlords a faster path to terminate tenancies and proceed with eviction in cases involving unpaid rent or serious safety-related misconduct, while preserving a longer notice period for property-damage cases.
Impact
The bill would amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 66, specifically sections 66-28-505 and 66-7-109, by changing statutory notice requirements for residential rental agreements and eviction notices. It would reduce the required notice from 14 days to 7 days for certain breaches involving rent arrears and dangerous conduct, while leaving a 14-day notice in place for damage beyond normal wear and tear. The changes would affect landlords, residential tenants, and eviction procedures statewide, but only for rental agreements executed, amended, or renewed on or after July 1, 2025.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill faced significant resistance in committee. HB1345 failed in the House Business and Utilities Subcommittee on a 4-4 vote, indicating a divided response rather than broad support. No committee transcript is available, so the record does not show detailed debate, but the close vote suggests concern among some members about shortening tenant notice periods.
Contention
The main point of contention is the reduction of eviction notice time from 14 days to 7 days for nonpayment of rent and for violent or dangerous conduct. Supporters likely view the change as a way to speed removal of nonpaying or unsafe tenants, while opponents may see it as reducing tenant protections and limiting time to cure a default or secure housing. The bill preserves a longer notice period for property damage, which suggests some balancing, but the shortened timelines for rent arrears and safety-related issues appear to be the central dispute.