If you own or manage rental property in Clarksville, TN, 2025 brings an important update you cannot afford to ignore. HB 1814 is more than just another legislative change—it’s a major shift in landlord transparency across the state.
Effective January 1, 2025, Tennessee House Bill 1814—also known as the Landlord Transparency Act—requires landlords to provide written contact information for property owners, property managers, and maintenance services before a tenant signs a lease. The goal? Strengthen landlord-tenant communication, improve code enforcement, and protect tenant rights while holding absentee landlords accountable.
For Tennessee landlords, compliance is essential to avoid legal issues, delays in the eviction process, and potential penalties under Tennessee state law.
Key Takeaways
HB 1814 took effect January 1, 2025 and applies to all rental agreements entered into, amended, or renewed on or after that date.
Landlords must provide written contact information for property owners, managers, and an agent authorized to receive notices.
Maintenance contact details (phone number or email) must be disclosed before the lease begins.
The law supports code enforcement, health and safety codes, and tenant communication compliance.
Working with experienced property management professionals like Haus Realty & Management in Clarksville, TN ensures full compliance with the Landlord Transparency Act.
What is the Landlord Transparency Act?
The Landlord Transparency Act (HB 1814) is a Tennessee house bill designed to increase landlord transparency in rental housing. Under this Tennessee law, landlords must disclose:
The name and address of the property owner
The name and address of the property manager (if applicable)
The name and address of an agent authorized to receive notices
A telephone number or email address for maintenance services
This information must be provided in writing at or before the start of the tenancy. That means before the lease begins or at the latest, when it is signed.
The Act applies to:
New rental agreements
Renewals
Amendments to existing leases
In short, Tennessee landlords must inform tenants who is responsible for the rental property and how to reach them.
Why HB 1814 Matters for Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Strong landlord-tenant communication is critical under the Tennessee landlord-tenant act. When a tenant fails to pay rent or reports necessary repairs, clarity about who is responsible can prevent unnecessary legal remedies.
HB 1814 helps:
Reduce confusion over property ownership
Prevent self-help eviction practices
Ensure essential services are addressed in a reasonable timeframe
Improve transparency in multi-unit properties
Support compliance with health and safety codes
For example, if electrical systems fail or a rental unit requires emergency maintenance services, tenants must know exactly who to contact. Delays could lead to code enforcement action or legal disputes.
This law aligns with existing Tennessee landlord-tenant laws and the Federal Fair Housing Act by promoting accountability and fair treatment.
New Disclosure Requirements Under House Bill 1814
Here’s exactly how you must comply with the landlord transparency law:
1. Provide Written Contact Information
Landlords must provide written notice that includes:
Owner’s name and address
Property manager’s name and address
Agent authorized to receive legal notices
Maintenance contact information (phone number or email)
This disclosure must be legally required documentation—not verbal communication.
2. Timing Is Critical
You must provide reasonable notice and documentation at or before the tenancy starts. If the lease begins without this disclosure, you risk non-compliance with Tennessee code.
3. Applies to Renewals and Amendments
Even if you have long-term Tennessee tenants, if you amend lease terms or renew the written lease after January 1, 2025, you must comply.
How HB 1814 Impacts Property Owners and Property Managers
For property owners, especially absentee landlords, this legislation increases accountability.
If you rely on property managers, ensure:
Your property management company is listed accurately
A person authorized to receive legal notices is identified
Maintenance services have a valid phone number or email address
Contact information is current and correct
Failure to disclose could complicate eviction proceedings, lease termination actions, and attempts to deduct unpaid rent from a security deposit.
Professional property management companies like Haus Realty & Management in Clarksville, TN already implement structured systems for:
Written notice compliance
Tenant communication portals
Move out inspection procedures
Security deposit location tracking
This makes compliance seamless and reduces exposure to legal issues.
Interaction With Other Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Laws
HB 1814 does not replace other laws. It works alongside them.
Tennessee landlords must still comply with:
Federal fair housing laws
Security deposit regulations
Health and safety codes
Lease agreement enforcement
Court order requirements for the eviction process
For example, landlords cannot engage in self-help eviction practices, such as shutting off essential services to force tenants to pay rent.
If a tenant fails to pay rent, you must still follow proper eviction procedures under Tennessee state law, including written notice and court involvement.
HB 1814 simply ensures that Tennessee tenants know exactly who to contact before problems escalate.
Security Deposits and Transparency
While HB 1814 focuses on contact information, transparency naturally overlaps with security deposit practices.
Under Tennessee law:
Security deposit amounts must comply with state law
Many landlords collect one month's rent as a deposit
You must disclose the security deposit location
Deductions for unpaid rent or lease violations must follow proper documentation
Transparency reduces disputes during move-out inspection and lease termination.
Practical Steps to Comply With the Landlord Transparency Law
Here’s how you must comply with the landlord transparency law:
Step 1: Update Your Lease Agreement
Add a disclosure section that includes:
Owner information
Property manager details
Agent authorized for notices
Maintenance contact information
Step 2: Verify Accuracy
Ensure all contact information is current. Incorrect addresses or inactive phone numbers could create compliance issues.
Step 3: Use Written Notice
Provide disclosures in writing before tenants sign rental agreements.
Step 4: Leverage Technology
The Act encourages the use of an online portal for landlord-tenant communication. This can streamline:
Maintenance requests
Prior notice documentation
Legal rights communication
Step 5: Work With Professionals
Partnering with a Clarksville property management company ensures all landlord responsibilities are handled within a reasonable timeframe.
The Eviction Process Under HB 1814
HB 1814 does not change eviction procedures directly, but transparency affects how disputes unfold.
If a tenant fails to pay rent or commits repeated violations:
You must provide appropriate notice
Follow eviction proceedings through the court system
Obtain a court order before removing tenants
Failure to comply with disclosure rules could complicate your case during eviction process hearings.
Judges expect landlords to follow the Tennessee code fully, including transparency obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does HB 1814 apply to existing leases signed before January 1, 2025?
No. The law applies to rental agreements entered into, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2025. However, if you renew a lease after that date, compliance is legally required.
2. What happens if a landlord fails to provide required disclosures?
Failure to comply may lead to legal issues, impact eviction proceedings, and increase scrutiny under code enforcement. Landlords must follow Tennessee state law to avoid penalties.
3. Does this law apply to small landlords with one rental unit?
Yes. The Landlord Transparency Act applies broadly to Tennessee landlords, including those with single-family rental housing and multi-unit properties.
Protect Your Rental Property Investment
Understanding HB 1814 is critical for protecting your rental property and avoiding unnecessary legal remedies.
Landlord transparency is no longer optional. Tennessee landlords must:
Provide written contact information
Ensure maintenance services are accessible
Maintain proper notice procedures
Follow Tennessee landlord-tenant laws and other laws
At Haus Realty & Management, we specialize in full-service property management in Clarksville, TN. From lease agreements and maintenance services to eviction procedures and tenant communication, our team ensures your rental property remains compliant with every Tennessee code requirement.
If you’re a property owner wondering how you must comply with the landlord transparency law, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn how our expert property managers can protect your investment and simplify compliance under the Landlord Transparency Act.
Stay compliant. Stay protected. Stay profitable.
