Landlord Tenant Laws in New Hampshire (NH)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
New Hampshire's landlord-tenant laws are governed by N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:1 et seq.; § 540-A:1 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of B (Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. New Hampshire has moderate protections. Deposits must be held in an escrow account at a New Hampshire bank. Tenants can petition for rent escrow for habitability issues. Retaliation is prohibited.
Security Deposit Rules in New Hampshire
New Hampshire limits security deposits to 1 month's rent or $100 (whichever is greater). This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, a landlord must provide 7 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in New Hampshire.
Tenant Rights in New Hampshire
Tenants in New Hampshire have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in New Hampshire
Landlords in New Hampshire are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide Reasonable notice notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 30 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in New Hampshire
Many cities in New Hampshire have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 3 major cities.
Manchester
Manchester follows state law. Has housing code enforcement.
Nashua
No additional local tenant protections beyond state law.
Concord
State capital follows New Hampshire landlord-tenant law without local modifications.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. New Hampshire scores 61 out of 100, earning a grade of B (Tenant-Friendly).
How New Hampshire Compares
Below is a comparison of New Hampshire with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where New Hampshire falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire (NH) | 61 | B | 1 month's rent or $100 (whichever is greater) | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Alaska (AK) | 61 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Connecticut (CT) | 61 | B | 2 months' rent | 3 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| New Mexico (NM) | 59 | C | 1 month's rent (for leases under 1 year) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Michigan (MI) | 58 | C | 1.5 months' rent | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Nebraska (NE) | 57 | C | 1 month's rent (no pets); 1.25 months (with pets) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent or $100 (whichever is greater). The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in New Hampshire?
For nonpayment of rent, New Hampshire requires 7 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in New Hampshire if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, New Hampshire allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does New Hampshire have rent control?
No, New Hampshire prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in New Hampshire?
Landlords in New Hampshire must give Reasonable notice notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of New Hampshire are primarily found in N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:1 et seq.; § 540-A:1 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.