Durham officials support House Bill 457 to improve student housing access

The New Hampshire Special Committee on Housing convened on February 22, 2025, to discuss significant housing legislation, particularly House Bill 457, aimed at reforming local zoning laws that restrict student housing. The bill seeks to eliminate regulations that limit the number of unrelated individuals who can occupy a rental unit, a move proponents argue will enhance housing affordability and accessibility for students and young professionals.

During the meeting, several speakers highlighted the adverse effects of current zoning restrictions, which they claim disproportionately benefit wealthy landlords and institutional property owners. They argued that these regulations artificially inflate rental prices and limit housing options for students, who are integral to the community's economy and culture. Supporters of House Bill 457 emphasized that allowing more students to rent homes based on the number of bedrooms would naturally decrease rents and promote fairness in the housing market.

Sarah Scott from Americans for Prosperity expressed that restrictive zoning laws contribute to the exodus of young people from New Hampshire due to high housing costs. She urged the committee to support the bill as a means to stimulate economic growth and retain the state's youth. Samuel Hooper from the Institute for Justice echoed these sentiments, arguing that the bill would restore property rights and promote free market solutions to the housing crisis.

The committee also heard from Nick Norman, who criticized government interference in personal living arrangements, advocating for a more inclusive approach to housing that accommodates diverse living situations. He argued that current restrictions are outdated and do not reflect modern living arrangements.

In addition to House Bill 457, the committee discussed House Bill 465, which aims to clarify and improve the existing housing opportunity zone program. This bill seeks to provide municipalities with clearer guidelines for implementing affordable housing initiatives, including income verification processes for tenants.

Overall, the discussions underscored a growing consensus among committee members and advocates that reforming housing regulations is essential to address the ongoing housing crisis in New Hampshire. The committee is expected to continue deliberating on these bills, which could significantly impact housing availability and affordability in the state.