The Nashville City Council late Tuesday passed an ordinance protecting tenants whose properties are changing hands or whose leases will not be renewed. Councilmember Burkley Allen sponsored the bill and believes the legislation will help keep renters housed during a time of economic uncertainty.
“The goal is to give tenants reasonable time to find new accommodations if a landlord does not want to renew a lease,” said Allen. “This is a companion to an earlier bill that requires 60 days’ notice before a rent increase. As Nashville sees many renters struggle to stay housed, the Council is working to ensure that there is time for tenants and non-profit agencies assisting them to find viable solutions.”
The bill has two parts. First, it requires new property owners to let tenants know the property has changed hands and to update the owner contact information within 14 days of the change. Next, for year-long leases, the bill requires 60-day notice if the landlord intends to not renew the lease. The mayor is expected to sign the bill into law soon.
Nashville’s approach may serve as a model for other cities around the country as we continue to battle housing insecurity during a pandemic.
Read more about the legislation at: https://bit.ly/38k3NRM