Sarah Mailloux

Please Reconsider Additional Taxes on Short-Term Rentals - A Local Homeowner’s Perspective Hello, I’m writing as a New Hampshire resident and local property owner in the Lakes Region to express my strong concerns about the proposed additional taxes on short-term rentals. My family and I aren’t a big corporation or out-of-state investors. We’re your neighbors. We live in NH, shop at our local stores, and care deeply about this community. We own a property that we rent to visitors because we believe in sharing the beauty of the Lakes Region while supplementing our income in a way that works for our family. The truth is, our tourism economy depends on short-term rentals. We simply don’t have enough hotels to accommodate everyone who wants to visit, especially during peak season. When families can’t find a place to stay, they don’t come. And when they don’t come, our local restaurants, shops, and attractions suffer. I’ve seen firsthand how our guests support local businesses. They eat at our diners and restaurants, buy groceries at our markets, hire local guides, and shop in our stores. The ripple effect is real. These visitors help keep our neighbors employed and our small businesses thriving. Adding more taxes will force many of us to reconsider whether we can afford to keep renting. Some will stop altogether. That means fewer visitors, less revenue for local businesses, and ultimately, fewer jobs for the people who live and work here. I understand the desire to generate revenue, but this tax would hurt the very people it’s supposed to help—local families like mine who rely on this income to support our families at a time when the cost of living continues to rise. I respectfully urge you to reconsider this proposal and work with us to find solutions that support both homeowners and our tourism-dependent economy. Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns. Sincerely, Sarah Mailloux