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New Hampshire

New Hampshire Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notices, rent control, and more for New Hampshire.

How we research these summaries

Every rule on this page is drawn from state statutes and municipal codes and summarized with AI assistance. Each one cites the statute it's based on and links to a published text of that law so you can read it firsthand. Where a page says a city or county has no local rule on a topic, that means none was found for the topics covered here — not that none exists. Local governments also regulate rental housing in ways these pages don't track, including registration, licensing, inspections and habitability standards. These summaries may be incomplete or out of date, laws change often, and every property and tenancy has specifics a summary can't capture — so treat this as a starting point for your own research, not as legal advice, and check with the local jurisdiction and a qualified attorney before acting on your particular situation.

What to Know in New Hampshire

Sources last checked July 2026

New Hampshire requires only seven days' notice to evict for nonpayment or a serious violation like criminal conduct, while other terminations, including ending a month-to-month tenancy, need thirty days under RSA 540:2 and 540:3. Since January 2025, a landlord may also issue an unconditional seven-day notice against a remaining tenant who is the accused perpetrator of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking that ended the lease. Deposits are capped at one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater, held in trust and returned within 30 days under RSA 540-A:6.

  • 7-day notice required before eviction for nonpayment of rent
  • 30-day move-out notice required for month-to-month tenancies
  • No rent control — no statutory cap on rent increases
  • 30-day advance written notice required for rent increases
  • Security deposits capped at 1 month's rent
5 rules summarized · Each linked to the law it cites

Security Deposit Limits

Security Deposit Limits

What is the security deposit limit in New Hampshire?

Under RSA 540-A:6, a landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit exceeding one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. The deposit must be held in trust and kept separate from the landlord's personal funds — it remains the tenant's money until properly applied under RSA 540-A:7. If the landlord holds the deposit for one year or more, they must pay the tenant interest at the rate earned on the account where the deposit is held. The deposit must be returned within 30 days of the tenancy's termination, accompanied by an itemized statement of any deductions. Failure to return the deposit within 30 days may entitle the tenant to twice the wrongfully withheld amount as a penalty.

RSA 540-A:6; RSA 540-A:7

Eviction Notice Requirements

Eviction Notice Requirements

What are the eviction notice requirements in New Hampshire?

Under RSA 540:3, a landlord must serve a written notice to quit before commencing eviction proceedings. For nonpayment of rent or certain serious violations (including criminal conduct on the premises), a 7-day notice to quit is required. For termination of a month-to-month tenancy or other causes, 30 days' notice is required. Starting January 1, 2025, a landlord may issue a 7-day unconditional notice to quit when the remaining tenant is the accused perpetrator of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking that led to the termination of the lease. Under RSA 540-A:2 and 540-A:3, prohibited practices include lockouts, removing doors or windows, and interrupting utility service as a means of eviction. Retaliatory evictions are prohibited under RSA 540:13-a.

RSA 540:2; RSA 540:3; RSA 540-A:2; RSA 540-A:3; RSA 540:13-a

Rent Increase Notice Periods

Rent Increase Notice Periods

How much notice is required for rent increases in New Hampshire?

Under RSA 540:2, II(e), a tenant's refusal to accept a rent increase constitutes good cause for eviction only if the landlord provided written notice of the amount and effective date of the increase at least 30 days before the effective date. This provision effectively codifies the requirement that landlords give at least 30 days' advance written notice before a rent increase on a month-to-month tenancy takes effect. For fixed-term leases, rent may not be increased during the term unless the lease expressly provides for it; the increase takes effect on renewal. Starting January 1, 2025, landlords must also disclose in writing any application or renewal fees before collecting them.

RSA 540:2, II(e)

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Is there rent control in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire has no statewide law capping the amount by which a landlord may increase rent. Landlords may raise rent by any amount on a month-to-month tenancy or at lease renewal, provided they give at least 30 days' written notice as required by RSA 540:2. No New Hampshire municipality has enacted local rent control as of 2025. While there is no price cap, a rent increase offered in retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights may be challenged under RSA 540:13-a. Tenants who do not accept a rent increase may terminate the tenancy with proper notice instead of accepting the new terms.

RSA 540:2; RSA 540:13-a

Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice

Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice

What is the move-out notice requirement in New Hampshire?

Under RSA 540:3, either party may terminate a month-to-month (tenancy at will) rental agreement by providing at least 30 days' written notice. A tenant giving notice must vacate the premises within 30 days of providing that notice to the landlord, or at any other time agreed upon by both parties. For fixed-term leases, the tenancy ends at the conclusion of the stated term; no separate termination notice is required unless the lease specifies otherwise. If neither party gives notice before the fixed term expires, the tenancy generally converts to a month-to-month arrangement under New Hampshire common law. Tenants who vacate without proper notice may be liable for rent through the end of the notice period.

RSA 540:3

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