New Hampshire Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
New Hampshire caps deposits at one month’s rent or $100, whichever is greater, and requires interest on any deposit held a year or more (RSA 540-A:6). In most rentals a landlord needs a legal reason to end a tenancy, not just the end of the lease term.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in New Hampshire?
A New Hampshire landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit, with interest if it was held a year or longer, and an itemized list of deductions.
| Maximum Deposit | One month’s rent or $100, whichever is greater |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | Yes, if held one year or more |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | RSA 540-A:6, 540-A:7 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not cap rent increases; for most units a landlord must give 30 days’ notice before a change.
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Statute Reference | RSA 540:2 |
How to Evict a Tenant in New Hampshire
A New Hampshire eviction for unpaid rent starts with a 7-day notice; ending a tenancy for most other lawful reasons requires 30 days’ notice.
| Non-Payment Notice | 7 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 30 days |
| Illegal Activity | 7 days for substantial damage or health and safety threats |
| Statute Reference | RSA 540:2, 540:3 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire requires adequate notice and the tenant’s consent except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | Adequate notice with tenant consent |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
| Statute Reference | RSA 540-A:3 |
What Must a New Hampshire Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Deposit receipt and the tenant’s right to submit a list of existing damage within 5 days (RSA 540-A:6)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire landlords must meet minimum housing standards, and a tenant facing an eviction for nonpayment can raise serious code violations as a defense.
What New Hampshire landlords must maintain
- • Maintain the unit to minimum standards of fitness for health and safety (RSA 48-A:14)
What a New Hampshire tenant can do
- • Raise housing standard violations as a defense to nonpayment eviction
- • Report violations to the local code enforcement officer
| Statute Reference | RSA 48-A:14, 540:13-d |