Housing - As introduced, enacts the "Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection Act"; allows local governments to adopt ordinances and resolutions to control rent for private residential rental units; creates the increased housing program and increased housing fund; authorizes the Tennessee housing development agency to make grants from the fund to eligible developers and first-time homebuyers to assist in gap financing and down payment assistance. - Amends TCA Title 7, Chapter 53; Title 9; Title 12; Title 13; Title 66 and Title 67.

HB 955, the "Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection Act," allows Tennessee local governments to adopt rent control ordinances (requiring a two-thirds legislative vote) to set maximum rents and fees for private residential properties, with specific requirements for local rent agencies and appeal processes. It creates the Increased Housing Program, administered by the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), which provides gap financing to developers building affordable housing and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers for primary residences. The program prioritizes housing developments in areas affected by recent federal disasters and excludes participants from certain tax credits, with THDA required to report annually on program outcomes starting in 2026. This bill directly affects local governments, landlords, renters, developers, and first-time homebuyers by introducing new rent regulation mechanisms and state-funded housing support.