HB 1786 imposes a semi-annual state assessment on residential properties valued over $1 million that are not used as a primary residence (luxury second homes), directly affecting owners of such properties. The revenue generated funds statewide housing development programs, including $15 million for workforce training in building trades and municipal grants for housing production. Key provisions include creating a dedicated fund for demolishing vacant buildings, expanding tax credits for housing infrastructure, and establishing a commission to study state financing for housing. The bill aims to address New Hampshire's housing shortage by leveraging new revenue to support affordable housing construction and workforce development.
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 1588 establishes a process for cities and towns to create special assessment districts to fund infrastructure improvements (like roads, water, and sewer systems) directly tied to new housing developments. Municipalities can finance these projects through property assessments on benefiting parcels - collected over up to 20 years - without using general tax revenue. The bill also expands an existing state grant program to fund municipal infrastructure upgrades for new housing, with a $1 appropriation for fiscal year 2027. This directly affects municipalities planning new housing projects and property owners within designated districts who may face assessments based on their specific benefit from improvements.
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 348 allows New Hampshire municipalities to require applicants for local assistance to have resided in the town or city for up to 90 days prior to applying. It mandates that local governments create written guidelines covering application processes, eligibility criteria (including acceptable residency proof like leases or utility bills), appeals, and other administrative details. The bill does not change current restrictions on cash payments for assistance. This directly affects individuals seeking local aid and gives municipalities authority to set residency requirements within the 90-day limit.
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.
