Key Takeaways
- The maximum allowable security deposit in New Hampshire is capped at $100 or the equivalent of one (1) month’s rent.
- Tenants can appeal unfavorable judgments to the New Hampshire Supreme Court within specified deadlines.
- Landlords can enter the property for inspections, maintenance, or showings with 48 hours’ notice, except in emergencies, which don’t require notice.
New Hampshire Lease Agreement Templates
Residential Lease Agreement
Residential Rental Agreement
Used 5,261 times
Save time and resources by using this customizable residential rental agreement to create legally binding contracts with your tenants. It includes detailed sections about all aspects of a typical tenancy, including terms, responsibilities, rent, duration, insurance, maintenance, and more.
This agreement serves as a formal contract between landlords and tenants renting residential properties in New Hampshire, ensuring clarity and professionalism in outlining their respective rights.
New Hampshire Apartment Lease
Specifically designed for apartment rentals in New Hampshire, this lease agreement template outlines the terms and conditions of leasing an apartment unit, including rent, utilities, and maintenance responsibilities.
New Hampshire Room Rental
Offering flexibility without the long-term commitment, this lease agreement allows for short-term rental arrangements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Month-to-Month Lease
Offering flexibility without the long-term commitment, this lease agreement allows for short-term rental arrangements in New Hampshire.
Commercial Lease Agreement
Crafted for leasing commercial properties in New Hampshire, this agreement covers essential aspects such as lease terms, rent adjustments, and permitted land use.
Lease to Purchase Agreement
Providing a structured framework for lease-to-own arrangements, this agreement offers tenants in New Hampshire the opportunity to purchase the property in the future while ensuring landlords maintain a stable rental income.
Sublease Agreement
Facilitating subleasing arrangements, this agreement ensures clarity and professionalism between the original tenant and the subtenant, protecting the interests of all parties involved and adhering to New Hampshire state laws and regulations.
Understanding New Hampshire Rental Laws
For tenants and landlords in the Granite State, it’s important to understand legal provisions found in the New Hampshire Consumer SourceBook. Understanding these ensures you can advocate for yourself as a tenant or landlord and know the limits of your rights. Key statutes in New Hampshire rental laws include:
| Laws | Name | Description |
| NHRS § 354-A:10 | Fair housing provisions | Outlines protections granted to tenants |
| Stat. Ann. § 540-A:3, IV | Landlord’s Right to Entry | Specifies when the landlord can enter rented properties. |
| NHRS § 540-A:6 (I) (b-c) | Security Deposits | Defines security deposit collection, handling and refund after lease termination. |
| NHRS § 544-B:1 (I) | Civil Liability for Bad Checks | Specifies penalties that apply and civil liability. |
| Stat. Ann. §540-A:3, II-a (a-c) | Eviction procedures | Details due process to be applied when conduction evictions. |
Security Deposit Limits
- Set limits: The maximum accepted security deposit amount in New Hampshire is capped at $100 or the equivalent of one month’s rent.
- Acceptable deductions: Landlords can use the deposit to pay for unpaid rent, late fees, and utilities after moving out.
- Refund timeline: Landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant clears the premises.
- Interest on deposits: Tenants are entitled to interest on deposits held for over one year, equal to a savings account rate.
Eviction Procedures
- Issue tenant the eviction notice: To initiate the eviction process, the landlord can issue the tenant with the following:
- Seven (7) days notice for non-payment, health/safety violations, or substantial damage
- 30 days’ notice for other reasons
- Court process: The landlord must file a Writ with the court after the notice period expires. The tenant must then file an appearance form before the return date to request a hearing, typically scheduled within 10 days.
- Determination and judgment: If the judgment favors the landlord or the tenant defaults by not filing an Appearance, the court will issue a Writ of Possession. The landlord can then remove the tenant with the help of the sheriff. However, the court may grant a discretionary stay of up to 90 days for the tenant to move out, during which the tenant must pay rent weekly in advance.
- Tenant’s appeal: Tenants can appeal an unfavorable judgment to the New Hampshire Supreme Court by filing a Notice of Intent to Appeal within seven (7) days of the judgment date, followed by a formal appeal within 30 days.
Right To Enter (Landlord)
- Access rights: Generally, landlords can enter your property for inspection, maintenance, or to show the property if they give 48 hours’ notice.
- Emergency entry: Landlords don’t need consent to access your property during an emergency.
- Access refusal: tenants can refuse entry if notice is unreasonable. In the same breadth, landlords can sue for damages in case of bad faith refusal.
- Changing locks: Tenants can change locks in New Hampshire but must provide the landlord with new keys for legitimate entries.
- Illegal entry by landlord: Tenants can get a court order barring landlord access and sue for damages.
Disclosures
Standard New Hampshire lease agreement templates contain several disclosures to protect renters’ interests. These include:
- Lead-based paint: Landlords owning pre-1978 properties must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards.
- Security deposit receipt: Landlords must provide a signed receipt specifying where the deposit is held.
- Move-in checklist: Landlords must list any conditions needing repair/correction. This move-in checklist must be supplied within five days after occupancy.
