Haley McMahon

My name is Haley McMahon. I am a full-time New Hampshire resident living in Nottingham, and my family owns a short-term rental in Lincoln, NH. I am writing to respectfully oppose HB1068, HB1580, and HB1707. Our Lincoln home is not an investment property—it is a place our family uses and cherishes. We would not be able to afford to keep this home without responsibly renting it on a short-term basis. Hosting helps us cover rising property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Like all STR owners, we already collect and remit the Meals and Rooms Tax, contributing directly to the state. HB1580 and HB1707 unfairly target families who own second homes by imposing excessive and punitive taxes based solely on home value or how many months a family occupies their property. A proposed 100% additional tax on “unoccupied” homes would make ownership financially impossible for many New Hampshire residents like us. HB1068 further complicates matters by redefining short-term rentals as hotels, even though STRs are already appropriately taxed and regulated. This creates unnecessary confusion without clear benefit. Short-term rentals support local businesses, provide flexible lodging options for visitors, and help sustain tourism-based communities like Lincoln. These bills threaten responsible homeownership and New Hampshire’s tradition of fairness and property rights. I respectfully urge you to oppose these bills. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Haley McMahon