Concord, NH - The New Hampshire House of Representatives is soon slated to vote on HB117. This bill would make it easier for landlords to evict tenants without any reason, potentially causing significant social and economic issues.

In the analysis for this bill, it says that “expiration of the term of the lease or tenancy over six months are grounds for eviction.” This is particularly concerning for our low-income residents who will inevitably fall into homelessness without adequate time to line up housing. With the passage of this bill, landlords will be able to disguise their bias by not being required to give a reason for eviction—making the detection of discrimination that much harder. 

New Hampshire Legal Assistance and its Fair Housing Project worry that this bill could enable discrimination against tenants for reasons such as having children or disabilities. At a time when the state faces historic shortages of workforce housing, evicting tenants without cause could have significant impacts on housing cost and put numerous families at risk of losing housing without warning—at a time when thousands struggle with homelessness.

NHLA’s Fair Housing Project investigates complaints and assists victims of housing discrimination to help them gain the protections and remedies they deserve. In addition to individual representation, the Fair Housing Project engages in systemic advocacy by providing training throughout the state on fair housing topics and by advocating for changes in laws, ordinances, and policies that have a negative impact on protected class members (based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity).

About New Hampshire Legal Assistance  

NHLA is a nonprofit law firm working to make justice a reality for and with people who experience economic hardship that threatens their basic human needs. Through representation and systemic advocacy, NHLA offers civil legal aid that addresses the effects and root causes of poverty.  https://fairhousing-nh.org

The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained herein. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.