By CHARLENE LOVETT
Last week, I mentioned House Bill 1485 which, if passed, would give landlords the ability to increase security deposits from one month’s to two months’ rent. The House was supposed to vote on the bill this past week, but part of the House session was postponed because of the weather. So, the vote on the bill will occur at the House’s next session on March 15. The delay in the vote is an opportunity for citizens to reach out to their state representatives and share their thoughts on the issue.
Because this bill would have negative consequences to our community, I wrote a letter to the House of Representatives asking them to uphold the House Judiciary Committee’s recommendation to vote Inexpedient to Legislate. Below is the text of the letter, which I hope will provide you some background information on the issue. Please don’t hesitate to contact your representative. It is important that they hear from you.
“I am writing to request that you support the House Judiciary Committee’s recommendation to vote HB1485 Inexpedient to Legislate. While the intent of the bill may have been to provide landlords a mechanism to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear, the unintended consequences for communities such as Claremont are numerous. If passed, this legislation would exacerbate the shortage of affordable housing for low to moderate income families and further burden municipal welfare assistant budgets.
“According to Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau statistics, the median household income for Claremont is $45,859. Yet, a significant percentage of the population earns a gross weekly wage ranging between $706 and $779. Given the average cost to rent a two-bedroom apartment in Sullivan County is $968, this sector of the population is paying 31 to 34 percent of their monthly income towards housing costs. This exceeds the banking industry’s recommended threshold of 30 percent of income. If HB 1485 were to pass, the amount needed for a security deposit could double making affordable housing that much further out of reach.
“Because of RSA 165, municipalities are legally required to assist those in need. Welfare assistance budgets are often reflective of forces beyond the control of local governing bodies. Therefore, it is critical that legislation does not unintentionally further stress local welfare assistance budgets, and increase the demand for assistance from other non-profit based organizations that are facing a decrease in funding.
“While it is necessary to give landlords the means to protect their property from damage, excessive damage to property is committed by a minority of renters. However, HB1485, if passed, would create hardships for the majority of renters and municipalities. Please support the Judiciary Committee’s recommendation and vote HB1485 Inexpedient to Legislate.”
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and welcomes your feedback. Email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].
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