New Hampshire Repair & Habitability Laws
New Hampshire establishes minimum habitability standards under RSA Chapter 48-A, requiring landlords to provide adequate heat, plumbing, electrical service, and sanitary conditions.
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Key Rules
- 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
Applicable Statutes
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 48-A:14
Minimum standards for rental dwellings: sets baseline habitability requirements including adequate heat, plumbing, electrical systems, and freedom from infestation.
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-A:3
Prohibited acts by landlords: prohibits shutting off utilities, removing possessions, or locking out tenants as a means of forcing vacate.
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