Brian Hurd | Support HB1619

My wife & I own a house in Meredith NH that is originally the home of my wife's parents (her childhood home). We were both born & raised in Meredith but had to move away due to career. We are both retired now and return to the home multiple times each year. We're taxpayers. We invested a significant amount of money in the rehabilitation of the property and wanted it to be a positive influence on the neighborhood and community in general. We continue to invest in the property to make it energy efficient and well kept. We do rent it at points during the year when we aren't there, both as a STR property and over the winter months as a LTR. All things considered we generally break even at best. We support HB1619 generally as it finally makes clear the rights of property owners without regard to the citizenship question. With all of the proposals floating around and individual towns deciding on their own what regulations should be on STR properties (specifically) one would need a law degree and or deep pockets to keep up with regulations. Unlike in some states NH does not allow a non-resident property owner to vote in local matters. This creates a significant burden on people like myself who have no say in my property taxes and the burden added by local voters. a t least this bill seems to recognize all property owners should be treated equally (as best as can be reasonably expected under the current residency law.) I would also suggest that Points 2 and 3 be amended out or referred for separate study as they could be better addressed in it's own legislation proposal. Finally, thanks for reading this and considering my opinion.