Kimberly Leeds

Dear Members of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am writing to respectfully oppose HB1580. As a New Hampshire property owner who uses my home as a short-term rental, I am deeply concerned that this bill would impose a significant new surcharge based solely on assessed value and residency status, without regard to how the property is actually used or its contribution to the local economy. Many short-term rental owners are not large investors or corporations. We are individuals and families who maintain second homes, pay full property taxes, comply with existing Meals & Rooms taxes, and support local businesses year-round. A blanket surcharge on properties over an arbitrary valuation threshold would disproportionately impact responsible owners while doing little to address housing availability or affordability. This proposal would make it significantly more expensive for many owners to continue hosting, potentially forcing properties out of the short-term rental market or discouraging continued investment in New Hampshire communities. In turn, this would reduce tourism spending that supports small businesses, tradespeople, and local services—particularly in seasonal and rural areas. New Hampshire already has mechanisms in place to tax and regulate short-term rentals fairly. HB1580 adds an additional financial burden that feels punitive rather than productive and risks unintended consequences for property owners and local economies alike. For these reasons, I urge you to oppose HB1580. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully, Kimberly Leeds Bedford, New Hampshire