NH HOUSE BILL 1413
Dear HB 1413 supporter,
The New Hampshire Property Owners Association (NHPOA) wants to thank each and everyone one of you for adding your names to our Petition, asking the House of Representatives to approve HB 1413. So far we have just over 150 signatures.
NH1413 January 7 2010.pdf
As an update to the public hearing for those who were unable to attend, I can report that our voices were heard! Despite a 2 hour delay in the proceedings, property owners stuck around to voice their support. Speakers gave passionate testimony on the hardships faced by landlords in these economic times. The general consensus was that the bill would create a more equitable balance during eviction proceedings. The House Committee responded positively to all testimony in favor of the bill.
The Committee's scathing remarks were reserved for those who opposed the bill's passage. Fortunately our representatives appeared to see through the political and financial rhetoric proposed by the bill's opponents. While it may be naive to believe that this support will ultimately result in the passage of this bill, it is our sincere hope that our representatives have understood the problems we face as property owners and will ensure its passage.
The petition was e-mailed to all Committee members 2 days before the hearing. In addition, I handed a copy of the petition to the committee at the hearing after expressing all landlords' support for the bill. A transcript of my testimony is attached in pdf format.
Concord Attorney Eaton Tarbell III also spoke on NHPOA's invitation on behalf of all landlords. He testified that he had attended approximately 400 eviction hearings and in more than half of the cases, tenants had failed to arrive at the hearing, despite filing an appearance to defend. His experience was that the majority of cases were therefore filed as a delaying tactic. He concluded that mandatory weekly rental payments into court would seriously impact on the amount of frivolous cases tying up the court's resources at the present time. This summary of testimony does not do Attorney Tarbell's testimony justice. He was extremely well received by the Committee and all those present at the hearing. His eloquence and experience proved to be a fitting conclusion to the hearing.
I wish to thank each person who took the time to come and support this bill. Active and vocal property owners are a powerful force that can bring about necessary change in Concord.
That said, the battle is clearly not over. We still need to impress the importance of this bill to all our representatives. Please contact your local representative to voice your support and refer other property owners to the petition. We will keep you informed of any progress or further developments.
More News:
There are more bills that need your attention - NHPOA has already started petitions in support of these bills - please show your support in the petitions. Please try and express your concerns or support in the notes column of the petition, as this gives us an insight into your thoughts. This helps when we present testimony at the House and Senate. While some of the Bills have no dates allocated, we do hope that you will join us in Concord to voice your opinions on those bills already set down for hearings.
http://www.petition.fm/petitions/yestosb377/
This bill establishes a procedure and timeline for determining that a dwelling unit has been abandoned and for returning or disposing of any personal property left by the prior tenant. (Has your tenant actually left or are you opening yourself up to $1000/day penalties)
http://www.petition.fm/petitions/yestosb341/
This bill repeals RSA 540-A:4, IX, permitting an action for damages under the consumer protection act for violations of the law governing certain landlord-tenant practices. ($1,000/day penalty against landlords)
http://www.petition.fm/petitions/yestohb1486/
This bill prohibits the mandating of fire sprinkler systems in any new or existing one-, 2-, or 3-family dwelling. (Can you afford to retro-fit your buildings?)
http://www.petition.fm/petitions/yestohb1191/
This bill prohibits the fire code from requiring the installation of fire sprinkler systems in single or multi-family dwellings.
Once again, thank you for all your support.
Regards
Debbie Valente
President
New Hampshire Property Owners Association
"Landlords helping Landlords"
(603) 867-8465
