New Hampshire Law Enables End-of-Lease Evictions Starting July 1

New Hampshire has enacted a significant change to tenant eviction laws, allowing landlords to evict tenants at the end of their lease without needing to provide a specific cause. This new regulation, officially known as House Bill 60, is set to take effect on July 1, 2024, after being signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte.

Currently, tenants in most rental agreements cannot be evicted at the end of their lease unless there is a valid reason, such as non-payment of rent or property damage. Proponents of House Bill 60 argue that a lease is a temporary contract, and landlords should have the ability to terminate it once it expires. They assert that the law restores balance to property rights.

Conversely, critics warn that this legislation removes vital protections for renters, particularly in light of New Hampshire’s ongoing housing crisis, which has seen a decrease in available rental units and an increase in homelessness. Representative David Paige, a member of the New Hampshire House’s Committee on Housing, expressed concern that the new law would exacerbate existing issues, claiming that Ayotte’s support for the bill indicates a lack of commitment to resolving the housing crisis.

In defense of the law, John Corbett, a spokesman for Governor Ayotte, emphasized that the bill merely allows landlords to enforce the terms of a previously agreed-upon contract, including its duration. He noted that the legislation is part of broader efforts by the government to address the housing shortage through various initiatives, such as streamlining state permitting processes and promoting the conversion of unused office spaces into residential units.

Supporters of the bill, including its prime sponsor, Rep. Bob Lynn, argue that the previous restrictions on lease-end evictions, stemming from a 2005 New Hampshire Supreme Court decision, unfairly disadvantaged landlords. Lynn contended that the bill would not increase homelessness, suggesting that landlords would simply find new tenants should they decide not to renew a lease.

Under the new regulations, landlords must provide tenants with at least 60 days’ notice before the lease’s expiration if they do not plan to renew it. During a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, 16 individuals voiced support for the bill, while a significant majority—205—expressed opposition.

Concerns over the potential for negative impacts on families were raised by Jennifer Chisholm, executive director of the New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness. She highlighted that “no-cause evictions” could lead to severe challenges for families struggling to secure new housing, potentially forcing them to rely on governmental and non-profit resources.

As New Hampshire prepares for this legislative shift, the implications of House Bill 60 are likely to reverberate through the rental market, affecting both landlords and tenants in the state.