New Hampshire Tenant Harassment Laws
New Hampshire prohibits self-help tactics by landlords under RSA 540-A:3 — including locking out tenants, cutting utilities, or removing their belongings without a court order.
Key Rules
- 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
Applicable Statutes
Source confirmed . Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-A:3
Prohibited landlord acts: it is unlawful for a landlord to interrupt utility services, remove a tenant's belongings, or lock a tenant out of the unit without court process.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“…f a lease agreement. II-b. Prior to removing an item pursuant to paragraph II-a, the landlord shall provide notice as follows: (a) In cases under RSA 540-A:3, II-a(a), prior to removal of the item the landlord shall make such efforts to notify the tenant who owns or possesses the item, if the landlord know…”
Legal Aid Resources
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