Manchester Housing Commission to ask mayor to oppose House Bill 60, citing local housing strain

The Manchester Housing Commission on Jan. 8 agreed to draft a letter asking Mayor and Board of Mayor and Aldermen leadership to raise concerns about House Bill 60 with the city’s state legislators, saying the bill as written could add to tenant instability in Manchester.

The commission described HB 60 as legislation that would make the expiration of a lease or tenancy (if the tenancy had lasted more than six months) a ground for eviction. Commissioners said the change would reduce tenant protections after a lease expires, shorten the practical time tenants have to find new housing and increase uncertainty in an already tight market.

Members framed the action as a request for the mayor to discuss the bill during his meetings with Manchester legislators and the Manchester caucus. Commissioners agreed one member would draft a proposed letter and circulate it to the commission for review before sending it to the mayor’s office.

Why it matters: Commissioners said Manchester’s rental market and support services are already stressed. They said shortening protections at lease expiration could result in more eviction filings, more burden on local rehousing services and higher housing instability for renter households and vulnerable populations. The commission discussed coordinating a broader advocacy effort that could include community organizations and landlords.

Key details from the meeting - Legislation discussed: House Bill 60 (referred to in the meeting as “House Bill 60”),…