Commentary: New Hampshire’s housing crisis: Protect renters, stop HB 60

Did you know that a recent survey on housing costs found that 87% of rental properties in New Hampshire are unaffordable? The truth is undeniable: affordable housing is the most urgent issue facing our state today. And make no mistake, even if you’re not a renter, this statewide crisis is driving up your property taxes. For renters, finding an affordable place to live is nearly impossible. Many are paying more in rent than they would for a mortgage. When the majority of housing is out of reach, and there’s nowhere else to turn, renters are forced into debt and poverty just to secure basic shelter — or worse, face homelessness. This situation is unacceptable. The priority of legislators in Concord should be expanding access to affordable housing, reducing rent costs, and keeping Granite Staters out of poverty. Yet, instead of focusing on this critical issue, Republicans are, for the fourth time in three years, attempting to change the law that has protected tenants from unjust evictions for the past 40 years.

House Bill 60, which will be presented in the House Committee on Housing this week, would allow landlords to evict tenants without cause, dismantling 40 years of tenant protections. If passed, this bill would expose renters to sudden displacement, regardless of whether they’ve paid their rent on time or abided by their lease terms. We have to address the elephant in the room, vulnerable populations — like families with young children, seniors, and people with disabilities — would bear the brunt of this change. Imagine being evicted from a home you’ve rented in good standing for years simply because your child’s laughter was a little too loud or because a landlord wanted a tenant they deemed more “suitable.”

The consequences of eviction are far-reaching. Without stable housing, children face disruptions in their education, hindering both academic performance and social development. Adults struggle to maintain consistent employment, leading to increased turnover rates for businesses. At the same time, municipalities, already strained by tight budgets, are left to shoulder the financial burden of homelessness through welfare programs and emergency services—costs that ultimately fall to property taxpayers.

Between 2022 and 2023, homelessness in New Hampshire surged by an alarming 52.1%, vastly outpacing the national increase of 12%. This isn’t just a statistic — it’s a humanitarian crisis impacting families and individuals across the state. Behind every number is a person who has lost their home, stability, and sense of belonging. Housing is not a mere commodity; it’s a fundamental necessity. Without it, nearly every aspect of life becomes a struggle.

Those opposed to tenant protections often argue that such policies place undue burdens on landlords. However, this viewpoint overlooks the larger social and economic costs of widespread evictions and homelessness. Existing “for cause” eviction laws already offer landlords a way to address legitimate concerns like unpaid rent or property damage. Allowing evictions without cause only exacerbates the imbalance, leaving every single tenant in New Hampshire vulnerable and unprotected.

Addressing this crisis requires bold action to increase access to affordable housing and protect renters from unjust displacement. Policymakers must prioritize investments in affordable housing initiatives, strengthen enforcement of fair housing laws, and resist attempts like HB 60 to erode tenant protections. These steps are not just ethical obligations but also practical necessities. A healthy housing market benefits everyone by creating stronger, more resilient communities, boosting local economies, and alleviating the strain on public resources and local property taxpayers to pick up the tab.

In New Hampshire, we take pride in our resilience and commitment to community. But resilience alone cannot solve systemic problems. It’s imperative that we advocate for policies ensuring every resident has a safe and affordable home. The time for action is now. Let’s unite to confront this housing crisis with the compassion and resolve it demands, not pass legislation like HB 60 to make the problem worse. Together, we can build a state where everyone has the foundation they need to thrive.

State Reps. David Paige, D- Conway, and Rep. Ellen Read, D-Newmarket, serve as ranking and deputy ranking members of the New Hampshire House Committee on Housing, respectively.