New Hampshire lawmakers debate housing crisis as eviction bill sparks fierce opposition

The New Hampshire House Committee on Housing convened on January 21, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding housing stability and proposed legislative changes. Central to the meeting was the examination of House Bill 60, which aims to modify eviction laws, particularly concerning the requirement for landlords to provide a "good cause" for terminating leases.

During the session, several speakers highlighted the ongoing housing crisis in New Hampshire, where the vacancy rate has plummeted to 0.8%, significantly below the 5% considered a balanced market. A key concern raised was the potential for increased evictions without just cause, which could exacerbate homelessness among low-income tenants. One speaker, a former landlord, emphasized that while landlords have legitimate reasons for evictions, the current law already outlines sufficient grounds for lease termination.

Testimonies from various stakeholders revealed a divide in perspectives. Supporters of the bill argued that it would provide clarity and protect landlords' rights, allowing them to manage their properties without fear of prolonged legal battles. They claimed that the bill would not lead to a surge in evictions, as landlords typically prefer to avoid the costly and time-consuming eviction process.

Conversely, opponents warned that the bill could lead to arbitrary evictions, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. They expressed concerns that removing good cause protections would undermine decades of progress in fair housing and could facilitate discriminatory practices against marginalized groups. Testimonies from tenants underscored the fear of retaliation from landlords for reporting maintenance issues, highlighting the power imbalance in landlord-tenant relationships.

The committee also heard from housing advocates who stressed the importance of maintaining protections for tenants, arguing that the bill could destabilize communities and increase the risk of homelessness. They called for solutions that would strengthen housing security rather than weaken it.

As discussions continue, the committee faces the challenge of balancing the rights of landlords with the need for tenant protections in a state grappling with a severe housing shortage. The outcome of this legislative proposal could have significant implications for both renters and property owners in New Hampshire.