TN HB2235

Summary of HB 2235 - Tennessee Fair Chance Housing Act

• Housing providers are prohibited from denying housing solely based on criminal history, asking about arrests that did not result in conviction, or using blanket policies that automatically disqualify applicants with convictions

• Misdemeanor convictions can only be considered if within 3 years of the application date; felony convictions can only be considered if within 10 years (measured from conviction or completion of sentence, whichever is later)

• Housing providers must conduct an individualized assessment before denying an applicant based on criminal history, considering factors such as offense severity, time elapsed, rehabilitation evidence, and relationship to tenant safety

• Applicants denied housing based on criminal history must receive written notice within 7 business days detailing the specific convictions considered and have 14 days to submit additional information; providers must retain denial records for 3 years

• The Department of Correction must develop education and outreach programs including pre-release training, a hotline for reporting discrimination, and annual reporting to the General Assembly; the act takes full effect January 1, 2027