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In early 2026, Tennessee landlords are entering their first full year operating under HB 1814, widely known as the Landlord Transparency Act. This law, originally passed during the 2024 legislative session and implemented in 2025, represents one of the most significant regulatory changes in recent Tennessee housing policy.
With statewide attention from lawmakers, tenant advocacy groups, and housing professionals, HB 1814 is designed to increase transparency, accountability, and communication between landlords and residents, especially during emergencies and maintenance-related issues.
At Asset Realty Management, we believe informed landlords are successful landlords. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about HB 1814, what compliance looks like in 2026, how non-compliance could impact your business, and what steps you should take to stay protected as a property owner.
Key Takeaways
HB 1814 requires landlords to designate a Tennessee-based point of contact for tenants and state officials.
Landlords must provide accurate and up-to-date contact information—including emergency contacts, to tenants in writing.
Failure to comply may result in fines, enforcement actions, or delays in eviction proceedings.
Out-of-state owners must list a registered agent physically located in Tennessee.
Property managers can serve as your official point of contact, making professional management one of the simplest compliance solutions.
What Is the Landlord Transparency Act (HB 1814)?
HB 1814 was introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly to address growing concerns from residents and local communities regarding the difficulty of identifying or reaching responsible parties for rental properties. The core purpose of HB 1814 is simple:
To ensure tenants and government agencies can always identify and contact the landlord, or the landlord’s authorized agent, in a timely and reliable manner.
As of 2026, this requirement applies to all residential rental property owners, including:
Tennessee-based landlords
Out-of-state landlords
Institutional landlords
LLC- or corporation-owned properties
Landlords managing single-family, multifamily, or mixed-use rentals
Why the Law Was Passed
According to lawmakers, advocacy groups, and local reports, the bill emerged due to:
Increasing numbers of absentee landlords, particularly private equity and corporate investors
Difficulty enforcing codes and property standards when ownership information is unclear
Tenant complaints about unreachable landlords, especially during emergencies
Public safety concerns involving properties with maintenance or health violations
The law is part of a broader statewide effort to improve rental housing quality, fairness, and safety across Tennessee.
Key Requirements of HB 1814 for Landlords
The law outlines several specific compliance requirements. Below are the most important obligations for Tennessee landlords in 2026.
1. You Must Provide Local Contact Information
Landlords must supply:
A valid name
A physical mailing address (no P.O. boxes)
A working phone number
Emergency contacts
This information must belong to either:
The landlord directly, or
An authorized property manager, agent, or representative located in Tennessee
This ensures tenants always know whom to contact for repairs, emergencies, and essential communication.
2. Out-of-State Owners Must Appoint a Tennessee-Based Agent
If you live outside Tennessee, you must legally designate:
A registered agent with a physical Tennessee address.
This agent must be available to:
Receive legal notices
Address code violations
Respond to tenant issues
For many landlords, hiring a licensed Tennessee property management company like Asset Realty Management is the simplest way to maintain compliance.
3. You Must Provide Written Notice to Tenants
Landlords are required to give tenants:
Contact information in writing
Notice of any changes to that information within a reasonable time frame
This can be included in:
The lease
A lease addendum
A separate written notice
Failure to deliver accurate information puts you at risk of violating the act.
4. Your Information Must Be Accessible to State & Local Agencies
Local officials—including code enforcement, county clerks, and housing authorities—must be able to easily determine:
Who owns a rental property
Who is responsible for maintenance or health/safety issues
Who can legally receive notices
Many municipalities now require HB 1814 contact compliance during:
Rental registration Renewals
Code enforcement visits
Eviction filings
5. Enforcement & Penalties for Non-Compliance
While enforcement can vary by county or municipality, the following consequences are possible for non-compliance:
Civil fines
Code enforcement citations
Delays or complications in eviction cases
Liability for communication failures
Required correction before legal proceedings continue
Repeated violations or ignoring contact notices can lead to escalating penalties.
How Landlords Can Stay Compliant in 2026
With the law now fully in effect, here is what landlords should prioritize:
1. Review and Update All Contact Information
Confirm your listed contact details (with tenants and municipalities) are:
Accurate
Up-to-date
Tennessee-based
Written and documented
2. Update Leases for 2026
Make sure your leases clearly include:
Official landlord contact
Emergency contact
Property manager information
3. Appoint a Local Representative if You Live Out of State
Using a property manager ensures consistent compliance without the burden of handling everything yourself.
4. Keep Documentation
Maintain records of:
Notices provided to tenants
Lease agreements with contact info
Any updates or changes
These records protect you in case of disputes.
5. Consider Hiring a Property Management Partner
A professional Tennessee property manager can:
Serve as your official point of contact
Manage tenant communication
Handle code compliance
Coordinate maintenance
Protect your investment with full oversight
Asset Realty Management provides all of these services—helping landlords stay compliant without stress.
How HB 1814 Impacts Day-to-Day Landlord Operations
HB 1814 doesn’t change a landlord’s fundamental rights—but it does influence daily operations.
More Structured Communication
You’ll need to ensure tenants always know whom they should contact, reducing confusion and improving efficiency.
Better Maintenance Coordination
Because tenants have quicker access to responsible parties, maintenance issues are typically resolved faster.
Clearer Legal Pathways
Courts often rely on accurate contact information when:
Serving notices
Processing evictions
Handling disputes
Correct information = fewer legal delays.
Greater Accountability
Landlords must demonstrate consistent responsiveness in emergency or safety situations, increasing professionalism across the industry.
FAQs About HB 1814 Landlord Transparency Requirements
1. Does HB 1814 apply to single-family landlords or only multifamily properties?
It applies to all rental housing in Tennessee—including single-family homes, duplexes, small multifamily buildings, and large apartment communities.
2. Can my property management company serve as my official point of contact?
Absolutely. Property managers are often the best way to stay compliant, especially if you live out of state or own multiple rentals.
3. What happens if I forget to update my contact information with tenants?
Failure to update tenants may lead to violations, fines, or legal complications. Courts can delay eviction proceedings if they determine you have not met the transparency requirements.
Why Partnering with Asset Realty Management Makes Compliance Easy
As Tennessee continues to refine and expand landlord-tenant laws, HB 1814 stands out as a major shift toward greater transparency and communication. While this law brings responsibilities, it also brings opportunities, especially for landlords who want to improve professionalism, avoid legal issues, and strengthen tenant relationships.
At Asset Realty Management, we help landlords across Tennessee stay compliant with changing regulations while protecting their investments, minimizing risk, and maintaining smooth operations year-round. From serving as your official Tennessee-based contact to handling maintenance, tenant communication, and legal notices, we make compliance seamless.
If you want peace of mind in 2026 and beyond, professional management may be the smartest step forward. Contact us today!
