Legislation Would Increase Rental Costs Amidst Housing Affordability Crisis

CONCORD–Today, over 40 organizations ranging from shelters and service providers to organizations representing aging populations, victims of domestic violence, and veterans signed a joint letter to Governor Kelly Ayotte urging her to veto HB 1336, legislation that would allow landlords to require certain prospective tenants to pay an additional month of rent up front as a second security deposit. Under current law, landlords may already require a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, in addition to the first month’s rent (or more) at move-in. HB 1336 would allow landlords to require yet another month’s rent up front for applicants who do not meet certain screening criteria.  

Housing Action NH released the following statement along with the letter to Governor Ayotte:

“New Hampshire is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. Across our state, renters are already struggling to keep up with rising housing costs, low vacancy rates, and limited housing choices,” said Nick Taylor, director of Housing Action NH. “At a time when too many Granite Staters are living paycheck to paycheck, HB 1336 would create a significant new financial barrier to accessing housing while doing nothing to address the underlying cause of New Hampshire’s housing challenges: a shortage of homes that people can afford.”

Background:

  • Almost 46% of renters currently pay more than 30% of their income to housing costs (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. NHFPI March 2026).
  • The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $2,024, which means that if HB 1336 becomes law, qualified renters would need $6,072 available to rent the median 2-bedroom apartment. (New Hampshire Housing. Who Can Afford to Live in NH? Report).

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Housing Action NH works to improve state and federal policy so everyone in New Hampshire has a place to call home.