House House Bill 1598 establishes an expedited eviction process for cases involving nonpayment of rent or material breaches of a rental agreement. The bill shortens tenant response deadlines, requires courts to schedule accelerated hearings, limits available defenses, restricts stays of execution, and mandates the prompt issuance of writs of possession.
This legislation is the result of a negotiated compromise between landlord organizations and New Hampshire Legal Assistance. It passed the House of Representatives with strong support and is scheduled for consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee in April.
Doubling down on removing underground tanks
House Bill 1620 takes a “belt and suspenders” approach to ensuring that underground storage tanks used solely for residential heating are properly removed when no longer in service. While the state fire code already mandates removal and outlines the applicable procedures, this bill codifies those requirements into statute — reinforcing that tanks must be removed when a heating system change renders them obsolete or when the owner no longer intends to use them.
The bill also requires disclosure of any residential underground heating oil storage tank to prospective buyers. Notably, such disclosure is already incorporated into NHAR’s Property Disclosure Form.
HB 1620 has passed the House and will be heard by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee next month.
Doubling up on land use boards is now prohibited
House Bill 1246 addresses potential conflicts of interest in smaller municipalities where individuals may serve on both the planning board and zoning board of adjustment. The bill provides that a member may vote on a matter before only one board when the same case comes before both bodies. This change responds to concerns that individuals could otherwise participate in an appeal of their own prior decision.
The bill has passed the House and is expected to be approved by the Senate this week.
Recording probate notification
House Bill 1156 expands existing probate notification requirements related to the transfer of real estate through inheritance. Under current law, executors and administrators must notify local officials before filing a final account.
This bill adds a requirement that such notices also be recorded at the applicable county registry of deeds prior to the final accounting, ensuring a more complete public record of property transfers.
Quote of the Week
"Small, technical changes often matter the most. Relatively modest reforms that show up consistently in the NAHB tracker — allowing accessory dwelling units 'by right' rather than requiring discretionary review, eliminating parking minimums, and easing lot-size and setback requirements often deliver the greatest impact, removing barriers that have long blocked modest, lower-risk housing from being built.”
—Deborah Myersono of Myersono Consulting, after reviewing land use changes across the country through the National Home Builders Zoning Reform Tracker. The article specifically mentions New Hampshire’s new ADU bill. (Governing Magazine, March 23, 2026.)
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For more information, contact New Hampshire Realtors CEO Bob Quinn: bob@nhar.com.