Tennessee lawmakers have passed SB0350, a landmark bill that prohibits landlords from banning the lawful possession and carry of firearms within rental properties and tenant-designated parking spaces. The legislation, which was transmitted to Governor Bill Lee on March 16, 2026, aims to ensure that a tenant’s Second Amendment rights are not waived as a condition of their lease.
NASHVILLE, TN — In a significant expansion of Second Amendment protections for the nearly 35% of Tennesseans who rent their homes, the General Assembly has finalized Senate Bill 0350. This legislation effectively strips landlords of the power to include “no-gun” clauses in residential and commercial lease agreements, treating a tenant’s rented dwelling as their personal “castle” for the purposes of self-defense.
The bill passed the Senate with a unanimous 32-0 vote on March 12, 2026, following a 73-21 vote in the House. Sponsored by Senator Robert Harshbarger (R-Kingsport) and Representative Lee Reeves (R-Williamson County), the measure seeks to place Tennessee alongside states like Texas and Minnesota in safeguarding firearm rights for renters.
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Key Provisions of SB 0350
The Landlord Firearm Act introduces several critical protections for tenants:
- Right to Possession: Landlords cannot prohibit tenants or their guests from lawfully possessing, carrying, or storing firearms and ammunition inside their rented homes or businesses.
- Vehicle Protections: The law extends to vehicles parked in designated tenant parking areas, ensuring residents can transport firearms to and from their homes without lease violations.
- Legal Recourse: Tenants who are “adversely affected” by a landlord’s violation of this law can sue for actual and punitive damages, as well as attorney’s fees.
- Landlord Liability: To address concerns from property owners, the bill shields landlords from civil liability for any incidents involving firearms that occur solely because they complied with the new law.
Implementation and Exemptions
The law is set to apply to all new or renewed lease agreements starting January 1, 2027, though existing leases containing prohibited firearm clauses will be considered void and unenforceable regarding those specific terms as of July 1, 2026.
During the legislative process, lawmakers added specific exemptions to balance public safety concerns. Landlords can still restrict firearms in certain specialized facilities, including:
- State agencies and school properties.
- Hospitals and nursing homes.
- Mental health and Department of Children’s Services facilities.
While advocacy groups like the NRA and Sportsmen’s Alliance have hailed the bill as a victory for self-defense, some property rights advocates have argued that the state should not interfere with private contracts between landlords and tenants. Governor Bill Lee is expected to sign the measure into law within the coming weeks.
Safety Tip: As a tenant, your “castle” is often separated from the public by thin walls and shared hallways. Always choose high-quality defensive ammunition designed for limited penetration and practice a “staged” defense that keeps you away from shared walls. Furthermore, since you now have a protected right to store firearms in your vehicle, ensure you are using a vehicle-mounted safe; a glove box or center console is not a secure storage solution and is a primary target for “smash-and-grab” thieves.
