Andrew Bosco

Public Comment in Opposition to Proposed Short-Term Rental Legislation in New Hampshire I am writing to express strong opposition to several proposed bills that would materially harm short-term rental (STR) owners, property rights, and New Hampshire’s tourism-driven economy. This legislative session, four bills have been introduced that directly affect STRs: • HB 1707 – expanding local authority to restrict STRs • HB 1580 – imposing a new surcharge on non-primary residences valued over $500,000 • HB 1068 – redefining short-term rentals as hotels • SB 634 – allowing municipalities to impose a new local occupancy fee on STRs Two of these bills (HB 1707 and HB 1580) were voted on in the House, with the remaining two scheduled for consideration this week. Taken together, these bills represent a piecemeal but coordinated shift away from New Hampshire’s long-standing respect for property rights, small business owners, and limited government. STRs Are Not Hotels Redefining STRs as hotels (HB 1068) is factually and economically flawed. The vast majority of STRs in New Hampshire are single-family homes or small multi-family properties, often owned by local residents, retirees, or families supplementing income. Hotels are purpose-built commercial operations with centralized staffing, infrastructure, and zoning impacts that are not comparable to STRs. States and municipalities that have attempted to regulate STRs as hotels have consistently faced: • Reduced housing utilization efficiency • Higher compliance costs for small owners • Increased legal challenges and enforcement costs Economic Impact on Tourism and Local Businesses Tourism contributes billions of dollars annually to New Hampshire’s economy. STRs play a critical role in rural and seasonal areas where hotels do not exist or cannot scale during peak demand. Guests staying in STRs support: • Local restaurants and shops • Outdoor recreation businesses • Seasonal employment Independent studies in other New England states show that STR guests spend more locally and stay longer than traditional hotel guests, particularly in rural markets. Taxation and Fees Are Already in Place STRs in New Hampshire already collect and remit the Meals & Rooms (M&R) tax, contributing directly to state revenue. Proposals like HB 1580 and SB 634 amount to double taxation or punitive targeting of a specific class of property owners without evidence of proportional public cost. There is no demonstrated data showing that STRs: • Create higher municipal service costs than long-term rentals • Require additional enforcement beyond existing local tools • Justify new surcharges or occupancy fees Housing Affordability Requires Data-Driven Solutions STRs are frequently blamed for housing shortages without rigorous evidence. In New Hampshire, housing affordability challenges are driven primarily by: • Lack of new construction • Restrictive zoning • Labor and material costs • Population growth outpacing supply Blanket restrictions on STRs do not create affordable housing; they simply reduce property value, discourage investment, and shift ownership toward institutional buyers. Support for Balanced, Statewide Advocacy I support the work of the New Hampshire Vacation Rental & Tourism Alliance (NHVRTA), a statewide nonprofit advocating for reasonable, data-driven policy that protects both communities and property owners. Organizations like NHVRTA are essential to ensuring that legislation reflects real impacts, not assumptions. Conclusion These bills, individually and collectively, move New Hampshire away from its core values of: • Property rights • Local entrepreneurship • Predictable, limited regulation I urge legislators to reject these proposals and instead work collaboratively with STR owners, municipalities, and advocacy groups to address concerns using existing enforcement tools and evidence-based policy. New Hampshire can protect neighborhoods without punishing responsible property owners or undermining tourism and small businesses.