Housing

HB 1336 allows landlords to charge a security deposit of up to two months' rent for rental applicants who don't meet standard approval criteria (like low credit scores under 650, insufficient income below 3x rent, eviction history, unpaid judgments, or no rental history). It directly affects landlords setting rental terms and tenants who may be denied standard housing due to these factors. Key provisions require landlords to disclose unmet criteria upfront, provide written notice of the higher deposit reason, and allow tenants to request a re-screening at their expense once every six months to potentially remove the extra deposit. The bill clarifies that landlords aren't forced to accept higher deposits or approve applicants who still don't meet standards, and it has no estimated state or local cost impact.

HB 1681 establishes clear rules for tiny houses, tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), and yurts as legal housing options in New Hampshire. It defines these structures (capping tiny houses at 400 square feet, requiring compliance with building codes, and distinguishing them from recreational vehicles), mandates inspections similar to standard homes, and allows them to be used as primary or accessory dwellings on single-family lots. Municipalities must assess property taxes for these structures after 180 days of permanent placement, and the bill regulates their transport and grey water systems. This directly affects homeowners, developers, and local governments by creating standardized pathways for these innovative housing types.

HB 1499 would expand eviction grounds under New Hampshire's landlord and tenant law by adding three specific conditions: (1) a tenant or occupant being unlawfully present in the U.S., (2) a recent conviction (within 3 years) for certain violent crimes or drug offenses, or (3) being a registered sexual offender under state law. This bill directly affects tenants who meet these criteria, allowing landlords to seek eviction based on these new grounds. The key provision modifies the existing statute to include these three categories as valid reasons for termination of tenancy. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and does not require new state funding.

SB 508 requires all grounds for appealing zoning board decisions to be stated in the initial appeal notice, directly affecting applicants, municipalities, and planning boards. It adds a new provision mandating that cities and towns must stamp and accept revised zoning plans within 3 business days of submission, provided the revisions address specific comments from the initial review. The bill also limits applicants to one revision round unless original comments were unaddressed, preventing repeated requests for changes beyond the initial review conditions. These changes aim to streamline the zoning approval process by setting clear timelines and revision limits. The bill applies to all municipalities in New Hampshire with zoning boards of adjustments.

HB 1196 repeals New Hampshire's Housing Champion Designation and Grant Program, which provided financial incentives and recognition to municipalities for adopting housing-friendly policies. The bill ends the state's authority to issue new grants or designations under this program, affecting participating municipalities and the Department of Business and Economic Affairs that administered it. Existing contracts (worth approximately $2.6 million) will be honored until June 2027, but no new funding or recognition will be provided after the bill's effective date. The repeal also eliminates the Housing Champion Program Fund and the associated advisory committee.