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HB 955

Housing - As introduced, enacts the "Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection Act"; allows local governments to adopt ordinances and resolutions to control rent for private residential rental units; creates the increased housing program and increased housing fund; authorizes the Tennessee housing development agency to make grants from the fund to eligible developers and first-time homebuyers to assist in gap financing and down payment assistance. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 53; Title 9; Title 12; Title 13; Title 66 and Title 67.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Shaundelle Brooks

HB 955 allows Tennessee cities/counties to impose rent control and establishes state grants for affordable housing development and first-time homebuyer down payments.

Action Def. in s/c Cities & Counties Subcommittee to January 2027 Calendar
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Bill Summary · HB 955

Legislative bill overview

HB 955 enables Tennessee local governments to implement rent control ordinances for private residential rentals and establishes a state-funded grant program through the Tennessee Housing Development Agency to assist eligible developers and first-time homebuyers with gap financing and down payment assistance.

Why is this important

Housing affordability has become a critical issue in Tennessee, with rising rents and home prices pricing out lower-income residents. This bill addresses supply-side solutions (developer incentives) and demand-side support (down payment assistance) while granting localities flexibility to manage rental markets according to local conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Rent control effectiveness: Economists remain divided on whether rent control reduces housing supply or creates market distortions; some argue it discourages new construction while others say it protects vulnerable tenants
  • Local vs. state authority: Granting local governments broad rent-control power may create a patchwork of regulations affecting property owners and investors across different municipalities inconsistently
  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill references an "increased housing fund" but doesn't specify revenue sources, raising questions about how grants will be funded and whether taxpayers will bear the cost

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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