New Hampshire Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
New Hampshire's landlord-tenant law provides balanced protections with specific requirements for security deposits and rental agreements. The state has clear procedures for lease agreements and evictions.
Security Deposit
Limit: 1 month's rent for security deposits, plus an additional pet deposit of no more than 1 month's rent.
Return Period: 30 days after termination of tenancy. Must provide itemized statement of damages. Deposit must be held in separate account in New Hampshire bank.
Rent Increases
30 days notice required for month-to-month tenancies. Must follow lease terms for fixed-term leases.
Entry Notice
Notice required as specified in lease, but must be reasonable. Typically 24 hours except in emergencies.
Key Statutes
- New Hampshire RSA 540-A:6 - Security Deposits
- New Hampshire RSA 540-A:2 - Landlord Obligations
- New Hampshire RSA 540-A:3 - Right of Entry
- New Hampshire RSA 540:2 - Eviction Process
Common Issues
- Not holding deposits in NH bank accounts
- Charging deposits above legal limits
- Not returning deposits within 30 days
- Failure to provide itemized deductions
- Not maintaining habitability standards