Committee Summary for House Committee on Housing (02/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1450 00:11:14.965 - 8:07:00 AM	General Working Session	relative to the designation and control of shared facilities in rental properties.	Kelley, Diane(R)[A-]2025
HB1112 00:39:17.396 - 8:35:03 AM	General Working Session	relative to snow removal responsibilities in residential lease agreements.	Foss, Lily(D)[D-]2025

HB1450: Rep. Kerwin (Chair) Information Only00:11:14.965 - 8:07:00 AM; The chair opens the subcommittee work session on HB 1450, describing the core issue as ambiguity in evicting problematic roommates or subtenants without evicting the primary tenant. Highlights scenarios involving landlords, lessees, and law enforcement challenges. Invites input on current law gaps under RSA 540-B for shared facilities and seeks suggestions to address holes, emphasizing the need for clarity in eviction processes, especially in owner-occupied shared living situations.
HB1450: Nick Norman, Property Owners Association Information Only00:11:14.965 - 8:07:00 AM; Nick Norman explains the longstanding issues plaguing landlords and tenants, including unauthorized subletting or unofficial roommates in apartments or shared facilities. Notes that RSA 540-B allows owners to request law enforcement removal but lacks mandatory enforcement or court order provisions, leaving police hesitant and parties stuck. Describes multiple scenarios causing grief, such as bad actors in leases requiring full family evictions. Proposes comprehensive fixes: bifurcation of RSA 540 leases to evict individuals, revisions to 540-B, and a new RSA 540-D for tenant-shared spaces. Commits to collaborating with NHLA over summer and fall for thorough legislation balancing rights and efficiency.
HB1450: Steve Tower, New Hampshire Legal Assistance Information Only00:11:14.965 - 8:07:00 AM; Steve Tower details the shared facility definition under RSA 540-B as owner-occupied premises with shared common spaces, offering a streamlined eviction process without court for threats to health, safety, or nonpayment. However, police reluctance without court orders leads to complications, as full 540 evictions may be dismissed for not qualifying as tenancies. Shares experiences from trainings and representations, advocating for a quick court statement or tie-in to RSA 540-A authorizing police removal post-notice to protect owners like 'grandma' renting a room. Supports Nick Norman's proposals, emphasizing agreement between NHLA and property owners for fair clarity benefiting both sides.
HB1450: Rep. Kerwin (Chair) Information Only00:26:14.965 - 8:22:00 AM; The chair acknowledges the issue's prevalence and committee awareness, praises collaboration between NHLA and Property Owners Association for win-win solutions. Proposes aiming for interim fixes like bifurcation or 540-B court order mechanisms before vacation week, with full revisions next year if needed. Commits to advancing proposals and holding a brief subcommittee for official recommendation. Notes potential fiscal impacts and suggests consulting experts like Attorney Brian Shaughnessy for enforcement language.
HB1112: Rep. Kerwin (Chair) Information Only00:39:17.396 - 8:35:03 AM; The Chair opens the subcommittee discussion on HB1112, noting the current law's silence on snow removal responsibilities leading to disputes. Proposes default responsibility on landlords for clearing snow and ice from common areas if not specified in the lease to ensure clarity on liability and insurance. Discusses functional parts of the bill and awaits Rep. Alexander. Suggests language for default responsibility unless assigned otherwise in the lease.
HB1112: Nick Norman Information Only00:39:17.396 - 8:35:03 AM; Nick Norman presents a proposed amendment emailed to the committee, combining sections for efficiency and adding terms like stairways. Recommends using 'tenancies' instead of 'leases' to include verbal agreements. Argues against a state-mandated default, favoring written agreements between landlords and tenants for specific areas like common areas, driveways, walkways, stairs, and entryways. Opposes rewriting existing agreements and suggests moving the provision to a non-prohibited acts section to avoid $1,000 fines. Addresses parking leases but defers. Agrees to remove language on local ordinances.
HB1112: Rep. Kerwin (Chair) Information Only00:44:00.000 - 8:39:46 AM; Engages in discussion with Nick Norman on the amendment, questioning the need for explicit mandates versus defaults. Notes current case law likely defaults liability to landlords. Clarifies penalties under RSA 540-A as a one-time $1,000 unless violating a court order. Discusses enforcement and benefits of clarity to prevent disputes and injuries.
HB1112: Mr. Tower (New Hampshire Legal Assistance) Information Only00:54:17.396 - 8:50:03 AM; Mr. Tower states NH Legal Assistance has no strong position but supports using 'tenancies' for clarity, including oral agreements. Believes parties can already contract on snow removal without new law, unaware of prohibiting case law. Suggests a default if not contracted to prevent injuries, favoring landlord responsibility as the owner. Notes variability in landlord knowledge and that liability falls on owners in practice. Agrees $1,000 penalty is unreasonable. Supports fallback definition for responsibility. Hesitant on removing local ordinance language but not a priority. Supports moving effective date to avoid confusion.
HB1112: Rep. Kerwin (Chair) Information Only00:54:17.396 - 8:50:03 AM; Interrupts to question Mr. Tower on case law prohibiting snow removal clauses. Continues discussion on defaults versus agreements, emphasizing prevention of injuries and clarity. Proposes changing 'may' to 'shall' for written agreements without penalty, moving effective date to July 1, 2027. Suggests if no agreement, default to landlord. Agrees to schedule further subcommittee meeting.
HB1112: Nick Norman Information Only01:09:17.396 - 9:05:03 AM; Responds to proposals, emphasizing severe liability for slip-and-falls on owners (e.g., $80,000 insurance payout). Opposes additional penalties beyond existing liability. Can live with 'may agree in writing' with default to landlord if no agreement, but needs to consult team.