Tennessee House Bill HB2850

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 6; Title 7; Title 13; Title 62; Title 66; Title 67 and Title 68, relative to local government.

Impact

By providing a framework for local governments to regulate short-term rentals while preventing outright bans on such rentals, the bill seeks to enhance housing availability and affordability. It allows property owners—whether they live in their properties or rent them out—to utilize their assets more flexibly. Moreover, the legislation encourages local governments to establish incentives for property developers to build below-market-rate housing, without imposing undue financial burdens, thus fostering a more diverse and accessible housing market in Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 2850, known as the Housing Optimization and Market Empowerment Solutions (HOMES) Act of 2024, seeks to address issues related to local housing demand and affordability in Tennessee. The bill aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding local government authority over housing. It recognizes the growing need for affordable housing as the state's population continues to increase, underscoring the importance of enabling residents to rent their properties as short-term rentals to alleviate financial burdens.

Conclusion

Overall, House Bill 2850 exemplifies a legislative attempt to balance property rights with the pressing need for affordable housing in Tennessee. The successful enactment and implementation of this bill could reshape local housing markets and the landscape of short-term rentals significantly, highlighting the ongoing tension between property management and community integrity.

Contention

Opposition to HB2850 may arise from local government advocates who contend that the bill undermines community control by limiting local entities' ability to regulate housing as they see fit. Critics could argue that the framework established by the bill potentially prioritizes property owners' interests over the broader community's needs, particularly in regions where housing shortages and affordability crises are most acute. Additionally, there are concerns about the implications of allowing short-term rentals to proliferate within residential zones, potentially increasing neighborhood disruptions and altering community dynamics.