Walid Saleh

Dear Members of the House Ways and Means Committee, My name is Walid Saleh, and I am a New Hampshire property owner and short-term rental host. I respectfully submit this written testimony in opposition to HB1580, HB1707, HB1068, and SB634. I operate short-term rentals in New Hampshire as a responsible, locally invested host. These properties are well maintained, comply with all existing laws, generate local employment, and contribute significant tax revenue to both the state and municipalities. My hosting business supports cleaners, maintenance workers, local contractors, and nearby small businesses, while also providing lodging options for families and visitors who choose New Hampshire over other destinations. Taken individually, each of these bills increases costs or regulatory burdens. Taken together, they represent a fundamental shift in how New Hampshire treats residential property owners and short-term rentals, and that shift is deeply concerning. HB1580 and HB1707 would significantly increase property taxes through new surcharges and penalties based on valuation or perceived “occupancy.” These measures disproportionately impact responsible homeowners who already pay property taxes, meals and rooms taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and local fees. The cumulative effect risks making hosting financially unsustainable and discouraging long-term investment in housing quality. HB1068 is especially troubling, as it seeks to redefine short-term rentals as “hotels.” This blurs the line between residential and commercial property, undermines long-standing zoning principles, and opens the door to inconsistent enforcement and regulatory uncertainty. A home used for short-term rental is still a home. Treating it as a hotel ignores the reality of how these properties are owned, operated, and integrated into residential communities. SB634 would allow municipalities to impose additional local occupancy fees, creating a patchwork of local taxes and compliance requirements across the state. This increases complexity for small operators, favors large corporate players, and ultimately raises costs for visitors and residents alike. New Hampshire has long been known for respecting property rights, limited government, and predictable tax policy. These bills move the state away from those principles. Rather than targeting responsible property owners, the Legislature should focus on enforcing existing laws and addressing housing challenges with balanced, data-driven solutions. I respectfully urge the Committee to oppose HB1580, HB1707, HB1068, and SB634, and to preserve New Hampshire’s fair and consistent treatment of residential property owners and short-term rentals. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully submitted, Walid Saleh New Hampshire Property Owner and Short-Term Rental Host