The House Committee on Housing convened on January 21, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding housing security and proposed legislation affecting tenants and landlords in New Hampshire. The meeting featured testimonies from individuals directly impacted by housing policies, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

The session began with a speaker emphasizing the importance of secure housing for individual well-being and community stability. They articulated that having a stable home is essential for accessing jobs, maintaining health, and fostering independence. The speaker expressed concerns about the power imbalance in landlord-tenant relationships, suggesting that tenants often face undue stress regarding their housing security, which can detract from their ability to focus on work and family responsibilities.

The discussion then shifted to the implications of House Bill 660, which was criticized for potentially harming the New Hampshire economy and exacerbating homelessness. The speaker warned that the bill could strain municipal budgets and lead to increased property taxes, particularly affecting those on fixed incomes. They called for solutions that protect both landlords and tenants, arguing that the proposed legislation could undermine community cohesion.

Wendy Santiago, a Concord resident and long-term tenant, provided a personal account of her struggles with housing discrimination. She detailed her experiences of harassment from her management office, particularly after her health declined due to cancer. Santiago described how her requests for reasonable accommodations related to her disability were denied, leading to increased harassment. She argued that the bill infringes on fundamental human rights, including the right to pursue happiness and liberty, by allowing landlords to discriminate against tenants.

Santiago also raised concerns about the broader implications of housing insecurity, particularly for families and children. She warned that the current housing crisis could lead to an increase in children entering the foster care system, as homelessness becomes a more pressing issue. Her testimony underscored the need for policies that ensure housing stability and protect vulnerable populations.

The meeting concluded without immediate resolutions, but the testimonies highlighted the pressing need for legislative action to address housing security and discrimination in New Hampshire. The committee is expected to continue discussions on these critical issues in future sessions, with a focus on finding balanced solutions that support both tenants and landlords.