New Hampshire Tenant Rights
New Hampshire landlord-tenant law is governed by RSA Chapter 540 (Actions Against Tenants) and RSA Chapter 48-A (Minimum Standards for Rental Dwellings).
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Nonpayment Notice:
- 7 days written notice to pay or quit for nonpayment of rent
- Periodic Tenancy Notice:
- Notice equal to rental period (30 days for month-to-month)
- Just Cause Required:
- No — New Hampshire does not require just cause for eviction
- Rent Control:
- No rent control in New Hampshire
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater
- Return Deadline:
- 30 days after termination of tenancy
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement of deductions required
- Interest Required:
- Yes — for tenancies of 12 months or more, interest must be paid on deposit
- Bad Faith Penalty:
- Tenant may recover the deposit plus costs for unlawful withholding
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Not expressly authorized by statute — tenants must generally seek court remedies
- Rent Withholding:
- Courts have recognized rent escrow in habitability cases
- Notice Required:
- Written notice to landlord recommended before seeking remedies
- Habitability Standards:
- Adequate heat, plumbing, electrical, freedom from infestation per RSA 48-A
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Self Help Prohibited:
- Lockouts, utility shutoffs, and removal of belongings without court order are prohibited
- Remedies:
- Tenant may seek injunction and actual damages; court may also award attorney's fees
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Courts have recognized retaliatory eviction as a defense
- Quiet Enjoyment:
- Implied covenant of quiet enjoyment in all tenancies
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- Advance notice required; statute references reasonable notice without specifying an exact number of hours
- Permissible Entry Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit, emergencies
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without notice for genuine emergencies
- Tenant Consent:
- Entry with tenant consent does not require advance notice
Legal Aid Resources
New Hampshire Bar Association Lawyer Referral
New Hampshire statewide
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.