Tennessee House Bill HB1501

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/26
• Refer: 1/14/26
• Refer: 2/4/26
• Refer: 2/11/26
• Engrossed: 2/19/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 66, relative to residential landlord registries.

Impact

Once enacted, HB1501 is anticipated to enhance local governance capabilities regarding residential properties. By requiring REITs to register and provide detailed information, municipalities would gain greater oversight over housing and rental practices within their boundaries. This could lead to improved compliance with local housing regulations and standards, addressing potential issues related to the safety and maintenance of residential properties.

Summary

House Bill 1501 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Title 66, by introducing a framework for the regulation and registration of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that own multiple dwelling units within a municipality. The bill proposes that a municipality, upon a two-thirds vote of its governing body, can mandate that REITs must supply specific information to local authorities. This information includes contact details of the REIT and the locations of its dwelling units, enabling local governments to maintain accurate records for enforcement purposes related to building codes.

Contention

There may be points of contention concerning the requirements placed on REITs by HB1501, particularly around concerns of administrative burden and privacy. Stakeholders may express concerns regarding potential overreach by municipalities in regulating REITs’ operations. Additionally, there might be debates concerning the fines associated with non-compliance, including whether the reporting requirements are too stringent or if the financial penalties could disproportionately affect smaller property owners versus large investment groups.