New Hampshire is experiencing a severe housing shortage, with a vacancy rate of just 0.6%. This is far below what’s needed to meet current demand and has led to sharp rent increases. Since 2019, median rent has increased 36.1%, with some counties experiencing much higher increases — Coos (42%), Belknap (44%) and Grafton (67%). The housing crisis has particularly affected our aging residents, who are the fastest-growing age group among the unhoused population. More than one in five older households are renters, many living on fixed incomes that haven't kept pace with the rising costs. As our population of older adults grows, so does the need to increase affordable, accessible housing options and maintain New Hampshire's existing tenant protections. We need state policies that expand housing security for our aging residents, not ones that restrict it.
HB 60 would remove existing tenant protections and put all Granite State renters at increased risk of eviction, especially older adults and people with disabilities who already face significant housing challenges.
About the Bill
For over 40 years, New Hampshire law has protected renters from arbitrary evictions. HB 60 threatens to remove these protections by allowing landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason when their lease ends. This is known as a “no-cause eviction.”
No-cause evictions put all Granite State renters at risk, and the consequences can be particularly harmful for older adults. They can lead to:
- Financial hardship: Older adults often live on fixed or declining incomes, making it especially difficult to find housing. The percentage of income that older adults spend on housing is at an all-time high. Those who are fortunate enough to find housing may not be able to afford the costs associated with moving.
- Health impacts: The consequences of homelessness are particularly severe for older adults who are managing chronic health conditions and mobility limitations. Research shows that homelessness severely impacts older adults and can lead to accelerated health complications.
- Displacement from communities: When older adults are forced to move, they often lose access to crucial support networks like health care providers, community services and resources, and established social connections.
These compounding factors make evictions especially devastating for older adults who rely on stability to maintain their independence and well-being.
Take Action
Contact your State Senator
Email or call your State Senator to urge them to oppose HB 60. You can find your Senator and their contact information on the NH General Court website's Senate Roster Page.
Bill Status
The House of Representatives voted to pass HB 60 (217-139) on February 6. The bill will now move to the Senate.
January 21: House Housing Committee Hearing
January 28: House Housing Committee Recommends "Ought to Pass" - 10-7
February 6: Passed by the House of Representatives, 217-139
Next: Senate Commerce Committee Hearing
