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
Remote Sign-In (by midnight on 1/21)
Virtually sign in on the public hearing to show your opposition to HB 60:
- Go to the House Sign In Form on the Gencourt website.
- Fill in your personal information.
- Select the date: January 21
- Select the committee: House Housing
- Choose the bill number: HB 60
- Select "I am: A member of the public" unless one of the other labels is appropriate to you.
- Fill in "I'm Representing: Myself" unless you are approved to represent another entity (i.e. your workplace or an organization).
- Select "I OPPOSE this bill."
- Upload or write your written testimony (this step is optional; please note your testimony becomes immediately visible on the website to anyone).
- Click "Submit."
Testify in Person: Let us Know you're Interested!
Show your opposition to HB 60 by attending and testifying at the public hearing on Tuesday, January 21 at 10 am at the Legislative Office Building in Room 305. New Futures can help you prepare remarks, find the committee room, and offer moral support at the hearing. Click the button below to indicate your interest.
Contact the Committee
Email or call members of the House Housing Committee to urge them to OPPOSE HB 60. Committee members and their contact information can be found on the GenCourt website's House Housing Committee page.
Bill Status
The House Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on HB 60 on Tuesday, January 21 at 10 am at the Legislative Office Building in Room 305. This is a good opportunity to voice your opinion on the bill and urge lawmakers to oppose it!
