Tennessee Senate Bill SB1188

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47; Title 49; Title 66 and Title 68, relative to building safety.

Impact

Effective from July 1, 2023, the bill requires landlords to install at least one fuel gas detector in every room containing an appliance that uses propane, natural gas, or liquefied petroleum gas. Moreover, landlords of multi-family units must comply with the regulations by December 31, 2023. This legislation strengthens the safety protocols related to gas appliances and aims to create a uniform standard for gas detection in residential settings throughout Tennessee.

Summary

Senate Bill 1188, known as the Fuel Gas Detector Act, was introduced to amend several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically relating to building safety. The bill mandates that all residential properties intended for single-family use and buildings of multi-family occupancy must have functional fuel gas detectors installed. The legislation aims to enhance safety measures in residential buildings by ensuring that gas appliances do not pose a threat to occupants, thereby aiming to prevent accidents related to gas leaks.

Contention

While SB1188 is geared towards improving safety for tenants, it has raised issues of contention regarding the responsibilities placed on landlords. Critics argue that the financial implications of installing these detectors and maintaining compliance could lead to increased rent costs for tenants. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for civil penalties for non-compliance, which some view as a punitive measure rather than a purely corrective one. Landlords failing to install or repair the detectors may face significant fines, raising concerns about how these penalties might impact the housing market and tenant affordability.