Andrew Mellor

Hello, I'm writing to express my firm opposition to proposed bills HB1068 and SB634. Collectively these bills would in essence redefine short-term rentals as “hotels,” blurring the line between residential and commercial property and opening the door to zoning, regulatory, and enforcement issues, in addition to adding potential fees to these properties. As a small, independent property owner who occasionally rents out my property, I would unlikely be able to continue to do so if these bills were to pass. I spent a lot of time growing up in NH, and was fortunate enough to buy a small property years back. My small family loves NH, and to be able to afford this property we have to rent it out for some of the year. This has in turn supported a number of local residents and businesses to help run my property, including cleaners, trash services, construction workers for maintenance, snow removal and a host of other folks who help me out. In addition to this, the revenue generated by the families who stay at my property go straight to the local businesses that they enjoy on their vacations. Financially, I barely break even as it is, and some years lose money, but we love the area so much that we're willing to take the gamble each year to enjoy the beauty that NH as to offer on our visits. This bill (and SB634 as well) would likely cause undue regulations, fees and requirements that would make it impossible for me (and likely many other owners) to continue. Please don't let this bill ruin a long standing tradition of responsible rental owners in the state that ultimately benefits NH residents writ large. Thank you for your time!