The New Hampshire House Committee on Housing convened on January 21, 2025, to discuss House Bill 60, which proposes significant changes to tenant eviction laws. The bill has sparked intense debate among lawmakers, housing advocates, and community members, particularly regarding its potential impact on vulnerable populations.

Key testimony came from various stakeholders, including former Chief Justice and housing advocates, who expressed concerns that the bill would exacerbate the ongoing housing crisis in New Hampshire. The bill allows landlords to evict tenants without cause at the end of a lease, a move critics argue could lead to increased homelessness, particularly among the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Rebecca Skye, Executive Director of the New Hampshire State Commission on Aging, highlighted that the bill could disproportionately affect older adults, who already face significant housing challenges. She pointed out that many older tenants live on fixed incomes and may struggle to find new housing if evicted. Skye emphasized the need for protections that prevent landlords from evicting vulnerable tenants simply to maximize profits.

Kristin Evans, Director of Policy for ABLE New Hampshire, echoed these concerns, stating that the bill threatens the housing stability of individuals with disabilities. She argued that it would eliminate vital protections and increase the risk of homelessness for this already marginalized group. Evans noted that individuals with disabilities often face discrimination in housing and that the proposed changes would only worsen their situation.

Chase Eagleson from the New Hampshire Council on Developmental Disabilities also opposed the bill, citing historical precedents that have upheld tenant protections. He warned that allowing no-cause evictions could lead to increased discrimination against tenants with disabilities, as landlords might exploit this loophole to evict tenants based on their disability status.

Supporters of the bill, including some landlords and real estate professionals, argue that it would provide necessary flexibility for property owners and encourage investment in housing. They contend that the current laws create disincentives for landlords, making it difficult to manage properties effectively.

The committee's discussions highlighted a critical intersection of housing policy and social equity, with advocates urging lawmakers to consider the broader implications of eviction laws on community stability. As New Hampshire grapples with a housing crisis characterized by low vacancy rates and rising homelessness, the outcome of this bill could have lasting effects on the state's most vulnerable residents.

The committee is expected to continue deliberating on House Bill 60, weighing the need for landlord flexibility against the imperative to protect tenants from unjust evictions. The stakes are high, as the decisions made in this legislative session will shape the future of housing stability in New Hampshire.