NH renters fear new GOP bill would let landlords end leases without just cause

Recent legislative actions in the Granite state have favored landlords, and tenants fear it would negatively impact low-income families, seniors, and those with disabilities, while also making the strained New Hampshire rental market even worse.

As a disabled, single mother of a 17-year old autistic son, Mary Osborne knows firsthand how important, and precarious, stable housing can be.

It took the Dover resident nine months to find her current home while living in an unsafe situation. Most people, Osborne said, don’t have the luxury of taking that long.

Unfortunately, recent legislative actions in the Granite State have increasingly favored landlords over tenants, raising concerns among tenants like Osborne.

“If our landlord chose not to renew our lease simply because the contract ended, where would we go?” Osborne said. “Waiting lists for affordable housing stretch for months to years, leaving families like ours with no viable options to remain in New Hampshire.”

Osborne was referring to House Bill 60, recently introduced by Republican Rep. Bob Lynn. This bill would allow landlords to terminate leases of six months or longer without providing a specific reason, effectively eliminating the “good cause” requirement  (such as property damage or non-payment) previously necessary for eviction.

Housing advocates argue that the bill would negatively affect low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The fear is that tenants may face displacement—the bill does require landlords to give 60-days notice—despite adhering to lease terms and timely rent payments.

Carolina Berluzconi said she’s worried. The Peterborough renter has a support animal for her medical needs and relies on stable housing to maintain her health and well-being. In the past, she has faced severe discrimination when looking for housing.

“This bill would exacerbate such inequities by allowing landlords to evict tenants without cause at the end of the lease,” Berluzconi said. “For people like me, this could lead to homelessness, stripping away the stability necessary to maintain health and dignity.”

Additionally, there are concerns that tenants might hesitate to report necessary repairs or unsafe conditions, fearing non-renewal of the lease because they are deemed a “nuisance.”

The New Hampshire rental market itself is already in disarray. There is high demand and limited supply, which has led to increasing rental costs. In 2024, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment was $1,833 per month, a 36% increase from 2019.

Most renters in the state pay more than 30% of their income on housing.

As for availability of suitable rental housing, the state has a vacancy rate of well below 1%; the national average is 5%.

Berluzconi said the Republican-proposed legislation that would remove longstanding tenant protections would only exacerbate the housing crisis in the state.

“Vulnerable tenants, including those with disabilities, would face even greater barriers to securing safe and equitable housing,” Berluzconi said. “Housing is one of the most fundamental human needs. When a landlord can evict a tenant without reason, it is easier to hide ill-intent and makes other housing laws designed to protect tenants far more challenging to uphold.

“Housing is not a luxury. It is a basic human right.”