David Preece

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, I write in support of HB 1612, a measured and necessary step toward strengthening fairness, clarity, and stability in New Hampshire’s tenant–landlord laws. At a time when housing insecurity is rising and too many families are living one unexpected crisis away from displacement, HB 1612 provides important guardrails that promote transparency, predictability, and accountability within rental relationships. These are not radical changes—they are reasonable standards that reflect the realities of today’s housing market. HB 1612 recognizes a simple truth: housing stability benefits everyone. Tenants need clear protections and fair processes to remain safely housed, while responsible landlords benefit from well-defined expectations that reduce conflict, confusion, and costly disputes. By clarifying rights and responsibilities on both sides, this bill encourages communication over confrontation and stability over disruption. Importantly, HB 1612 does not undermine responsible property ownership. Instead, it helps ensure that rental housing operates on a foundation of basic fairness and habitability, reinforcing standards that most landlords already meet and expect from their peers. In doing so, the bill helps level the playing field and discourages the small number of bad actors whose practices harm tenants and responsible landlords alike. In a tight housing market, displacement carries serious consequences—not just for families, but for schools, employers, municipalities, and the broader economy. Preventing avoidable housing loss is both a moral and fiscal responsibility. HB 1612 advances that goal without imposing excessive burdens or sweeping mandates. New Hampshire’s housing challenges will not be solved by a single bill, but HB 1612 represents a thoughtful, incremental improvement—one that prioritizes stability, fairness, and the long-term health of our communities. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the committee to find HB 1612 ought to pass. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your service to the people of New Hampshire. Respectfully submitted, David John Preece State Representative, Hillsborough District 17 Manchester, New Hampshire