The New Hampshire House Committee on Housing convened on January 21, 2025, to discuss pressing issues surrounding tenant rights, eviction processes, and the state’s housing crisis. Key testimonies highlighted the challenges faced by both tenants and landlords in the current housing market.

One significant point raised during the meeting was the difficulty tenants encounter in the eviction process. A speaker noted that while some evictions can be straightforward, particularly in cases involving property damage or illegal activities, many landlords struggle with the legal complexities of evicting tenants for non-payment or other issues. This often leads to prolonged court cases, which can be exacerbated by discrimination or improper application of the law.

The discussion also touched on the concept of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH), with concerns raised about the loss of affordable units due to renovation evictions. Testimonies indicated that landlords sometimes prefer to keep tenants on a month-to-month lease to facilitate rent increases or evictions, which can lead to financial instability for tenants.

Rachel Gagne, a tenant advocate, expressed her fears regarding proposed legislation that could further complicate the eviction process. She argued that such laws might inadvertently increase homelessness, as evictions leave lasting marks on tenants' records, making it difficult for them to secure new housing. Gagne shared her personal experience of being evicted for a renovation and the subsequent challenges she faced in finding a new place to live.

Jack Ruderman from New Hampshire Housing provided insight into the broader housing market, emphasizing the urgent need for new housing units. He reported that the state will require 60,000 new units by 2030 and 90,000 by 2040 to meet demand. However, current construction rates are significantly lower, with only about 4,000 units being built annually in recent years.

The meeting underscored the critical intersection of tenant rights and housing availability in New Hampshire, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to address both tenant protections and the growing housing shortage. As discussions continue, the committee faces the challenge of balancing the interests of landlords and the rights of tenants in a tightening housing market.