A measure that would bar Tennessee landlords from banning their tenants from lawfully possessing, carrying, transporting, or storing a firearm, firearm components, or ammunition in or on rental properties has passed the House and the Senate and is now before Republican Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration.
If signed by the governor, Senate Bill 350 would apply to new or renewed leases beginning Jan. 1, 2027. The change could positively affect thousands of tenants in the Volunteer State.
The bill states: “A landlord shall not prohibit a tenant or a tenant’s guest from lawfully possessing, carrying, transporting, or storing a firearm, any part of a firearm, or firearm ammunition in the tenant’s home, apartment, or business; in a vehicle located in a parking area provided for tenants or tenants’ guests by the landlord of the leased premises; or in other locations controlled by the landlord as necessary to enter or exit the tenant’s home, apartment, or business, to enter or exit the leased premises, or to enter or exit a vehicle located on the leased premises or in a parking area provided by the landlord for tenants or tenants’ guests.”
The measure also provides tenants with a way to pursue legal action against landlords who do not comply with the law.
“A tenant who is adversely affected by a violation of subsection (a) may bring a suit against the landlord for actual damages, punitive damages, and recovery of attorney fees,” the measure states.
Alan Gottlieb, chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA), called the measure an “important” one for Tennesseans who rent their abodes.
“We have been on the front lines of battles in other states where landlords have arbitrarily prohibited their tenants from having firearms in their dwellings,” Gottlieb said in a news release announcing passage. “It typically happens in public housing facilities, and courts have determined this violates the Second Amendment rights of renters.”
The legislation had support from a variety of organizations, including the Sportsmen’s Alliance. Gottlieb noted that similar measures have been adopted in a handful of other states.
The measure does include exemptions for state agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, Department of Children’s Services facilities, and school properties.
“This legislation assures that renters will be able to have their firearms for personal protection, hunting, competition or other typical needs,” Gottlieb concluded. “Thanks to wording in the bill, there is a way for tenants to challenge violations and seek damages. On the other hand, landlords will be shielded from civil liability for complying with the law.”
Unsurprisingly, Democrat lawmakers opposed the measure, arguing that it overrides private property rights and limits landlords’ ability to set rules for their own buildings.
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