New Tennessee Landlord Law in 2025: What Nashville & Middle Tennessee Landlords Need to Know About HB1814
- LAWM
- May 5
- 4 min read
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Effective May 13, 2025, a new Tennessee landlord law (HB1814) will require landlords in Nashville and across Tennessee to give tenants specific contact information in writing. This change is part of broader tenant protection updates in Tennessee, and it is meant to ensure renters know how to reach their landlord or property manager.
Below, we explain what HB1814 requires, why it matters, and how you can comply with these new Nashville rental requirements to avoid legal trouble.
Overview of HB1814 (Landlord Transparency Act)
HB1814 amends Tennessee’s landlord-tenant laws to increase transparency between landlords and tenants. In simple terms, Tennessee landlords must provide each tenant with certain contact information for the people responsible for managing and maintaining the rental property. This way, tenants know who to contact for maintenance, emergencies, or even legal notices.
What Information Must Landlords Provide?
Under HB1814, landlords in Tennessee are required to give tenants written contact information for key people associated with the property. You should include this information in the lease agreement or in a separate written document given to the tenant before or at the time of lease signing. Here’s what you need to provide:
Property Manager or Agent Details: The name, address, and regular business-hour phone number of the person or company authorized to manage the property.
Owner’s Representative for Legal Notices: The name and address of the property owner who can accept legal papers (like a lawsuit).
Maintenance Contact Information: Provide a phone number or email address that tenants should use to request non-emergency repairs or maintenance.
24-Hour Emergency Phone Number: A phone number that tenants can call 24/7 in case of emergency at the property. Emergencies could include things like major leaks, fire, or loss of heat in winter. Tenants must be able to reach someone at any time.
All of this information must be provided to the tenant in writing at or before the the lease signing. You can include these details in the lease agreement itself or in a separate written disclosure document at move-in. If any of the contact information changes later, be sure to inform the tenant in writing as soon as possible so they always have current contact details.
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What If You Forget to Provide the Info?
Let’s say you realize you didn’t provide the required contact info. In that case, the tenant can send you a written request for it. Once you receive a request, you have 10 days to give the tenant the information.
If you fail to respond within that 10-day window, the tenant can take legal action. A court can order you to hand over the info and may also require you to pay the tenant’s reasonable attorney fees and court costs. In short, ignoring this requirement could land you in legal trouble and cost you money.
Besides the legal fees, not providing this information can strain your landlord-tenant relationship. A tenant who can’t reach you (or doesn’t know who to contact) might become frustrated or feel unsafe, especially in an emergency. It’s much better to proactively share this information than to face a dispute or lawsuit later. As a landlord, you don’t want to be seen as an “absentee” owner who is unreachable – that’s exactly the situation this law is meant to prevent.
Tips for Compliance and Avoiding Liability
The best way to handle HB1814 is to be proactive. Here are some steps you can take to comply with HB1814 and avoid issues:
Update Lease Documents: Make sure your lease or rental agreement includes all the required contact information, and provide this disclosure to every new tenant at lease signing.
Act Quickly on Requests: If a tenant asks for the info (in case you missed giving it), don't delay. The law gives you 10 days to respond to a written request, but it's best to reply as soon as possible to avoid any conflict.
Why This New Law Matters
Lawmakers passed HB1814 to address situations where tenants couldn’t reach "absentee landlords." In other words, it’s designed to improve communication and accountability in rental housing. While this new rule adds an obligation for landlords, it can actually benefit you: if tenants can easily reach you, small problems can be fixed before they turn into major issues, and tenants will feel more secure. On the other hand, if you ignore the law, tenants now have more power to take legal action – and a court could make you pay their attorney fees and court costs. In short, compliance with HB1814 is much better than a costly conflict.
Conclusion: Be Prepared for HB1814
Tennessee’s new HB1814 law is an important update for landlords in Nashville and Middle Tennessee. As a landlord, you should take the time now to update your lease processes to make sure you’re ready to provide all required information to new tenants by May 2025. By following the law, you’ll avoid legal headaches and build trust with your tenants. Compliance with HB1814 is not just a legal checkbox – it’s an investment in your peace of mind and your tenants’ safety. For landlords in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, embracing these changes will help your rental business thrive while providing safe homes for your tenants.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every business situation is unique and the law is rapidly evolving, so consider consulting with an attorney for advice tailored to your circumstances.
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