Karen Rosenberg

Dear Members of the Housing Committee: I am writing on behalf of the Disability Rights Center - NH (DRC-NH) to express our organization's strong opposition to HB 1336, a bill that, if passed, would create additional barriers for people with disabilities who desperately need access to housing. This is because it is unlikely that the individuals who meet the criteria that allow a landlord to double the required security deposit would be able to come up with the necessary funds to secure housing and meet their regular expenses like moving costs, food, childcare and utilities. At least one, if not all, of the criteria that would permit the doubled security deposit would disproportionately impact people with disabilities. In particular, I refer to those having gross incomes of less than 3 times the monthly rent. While paying such a high percentage of one's household income for rent is not optimal, it is the stark reality of necessity for New Hampshire' renters given low vacancy rates and high housing costs. According to a 2023 analysis published by the State Health Access Data Assistance Center (SHADAC), nearly 56% of New Hampshire's residents with disabilities spend more than 30% of their household's monthly income on rent. (See https://statehealthcompare.shadac.org/map/182/percent-of-costburdened-rental-households-by-disability-status#16/76/215), New Hampshire has an affordable housing crisis. This crisis is experienced across the State and across people from all walks of life including people who provide essential services, such as direct support services to enable people with disabilities to live in their communities, and people who experience disabilities and may live on low, fixed incomes. For all these reasons, DRC-NH urges your committee to vote ITL on this bill. Thank you for your consideration, Karen L. Rosenberg Policy Director