Prohibiting Certain Felons from Renting Property
New Hampshire Legislative Events
Summary
New Hampshire House Bill HB1709 passed the House on March 11, 2026, by a vote of 181-154, proposing to prohibit certain felons who are unlawfully present from occupying or renting real property. The bill was introduced December 12, 2025, referred to the Housing Committee, and after committee amendments, advanced to the Senate where it was referred to the Judiciary Committee on March 17, 2026.
What changed
HB1709 would prohibit landlords from renting property to certain individuals who are both felons and unlawfully present in the United States. The bill underwent amendment in the House (Amendment 2026-0943h) before passage, with the Senate now reviewing the legislation.
For landlords and property management companies operating in New Hampshire, this bill would create new compliance obligations regarding tenant verification and eligibility screening. Property owners may face legal exposure if they rent to individuals falling within the prohibited categories. Fair housing advocates may challenge the bill on constitutional grounds regarding discrimination and due process.
What to do next
- Landlords and property managers in New Hampshire should monitor HB1709 for final enactment and compliance requirements
- Review tenant screening policies to prepare for potential verification requirements
- Consult legal counsel regarding federal and state fair housing law implications
Source document (simplified)
ChangeBridge / New Hampshire / HB1709 Passed HB1709 House Bill Passed 2026-03-17
Prohibiting certain unlawfully present felons from occupying or renting real property.
Bill Details
State New Hampshire
Session 2026 Regular Session
Chamber House
Official Source gc.nh.gov/billstatus/legacy/bs2016/bills...
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Sponsors
Joe Alexander (Rep - R) Ross Berry (Rep - R) Katelyn Kuttab (Rep - R) Katy Peternel (Rep - R) Kimberly Rice (Rep - R) Kristine Perez (Rep - R) Daniel Innis (Sen - R) Victoria Sullivan (Sen - R)
Action History
2026-04-07 S Committee Report: Ought to Pass, Vote 3-2 2026-03-26 S Hearing: 04/02/2026, Room 100, State House, 01:30 pm; Senate Calendar 12 2026-03-17 S Introduced 03/12/2026 and Referred to Judiciary; Senate Journal 7 2026-03-11 H Ought to Pass with Amendment 2026-0943h: Motion Adopted Regular Calendar 181-154 03/11/2026 House Journal 7 2026-03-11 H Lay HB1709 on Table (Rep. Read): Motion Failed Regular Calendar 153-181 03/11/2026 House Journal 7 2026-03-11 H Amendment # 2026-0943h: Amendment Adopted Voice Vote 03/11/2026 House Journal 7 2026-03-04 H Minority Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate 2026-03-04 H Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2026-0943h 03/03/2026 (Vote 9-8; Regular Calendar) House Calendar 10 P. 55 2026-02-17 H Executive Session: 03/03/2026 10:00 am GP 231 2026-01-14 H Public Hearing: 01/27/2026 02:00 pm GP 231 2025-12-12 H Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Housing House Journal 1 P. 32
Votes
2026-03-11 Table Yea: 153 Nay: 181 2026-03-11 OTPA Yea: 181 Nay: 154
Committee Referrals
2025-12-12 H Housing 2026-03-17 S Judiciary
Bill Text Versions
0000-00-00 Introduced Legislative data powered by LegiScan (CC BY 4.0)
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