Stop the 60% Tax Hike Today!

Protect Tennessee Renters and Homeowners – Support HB 319 & SB 327

Dear [TITLE X],

I am writing to urge you to support House Bill 319 and Senate Bill 327 to protect Tennessee homeowners and renters from an unfair and unprecedented property tax increase.

Some county assessors are attempting to reclassify single-family rental homes as commercial properties, resulting in a 60% tax rate increase for property owners. This reclassification violates 50 years of legal precedent and the Tennessee Constitution, which clearly defines a residence as a dwelling with one unit per taxable property.

This reclassification effort also undermines the principle of taxation with representation, as legislators never reviewed or approved this major change in tax policy. Additionally, the shift will create administrative chaos for local governments, forcing them to manage a flood of property tax appeals and repeatedly reclassify properties between residential and commercial.

If allowed to proceed, this reclassification will drive up housing costs for Tennessee’s low- and middle-income families. Small, community-based housing providers will have no choice but to pass these higher taxes onto renters, making it harder for working families to afford housing.

Passing HB 319 and SB 327 will protect homeowners and renters by preserving the long-standing definition of a residence and preventing arbitrary tax increases.

I urge you to stand with Tennessee families and support HB 319 and SB 327.