New Hampshire Residential Tenancy Laws: A Landlord's Guide
Comprehensive overview of New Hampshire's residential rental laws, including RSA 540, the security deposit cap, and the 30-day eviction notice.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.
Renting residential property in the Granite State requires strict compliance with a trio of statutes: RSA 540 (Actions Against Tenants), RSA 540-A (Prohibited Practices and Security Deposits), and RSA 540-B (Rent Increases). Together, these laws create a balanced framework that protects both landlord and tenant.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenancy laws change. Always consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney for advice specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.
Key New Hampshire Rental Laws at a Glance
| Topic | Key Rule | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | 1 month's rent or $100 (whichever is greater) | RSA 540-A:6 |
| Deposit Return | 30 days after tenancy ends | RSA 540-A:7 |
| Eviction for Nonpayment | 7-day demand for rent, then 30-day notice to quit | RSA 540:2-4 |
| No-Cause Termination | 30-day notice to quit | RSA 540:2 |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days' written notice | RSA 540-B:1 |
| Rent Control | None statewide | — |
| Late Fee Grace Period | Rent must be 15 days overdue before a late fee can be assessed | RSA 540-A:8 |
Security Deposits
New Hampshire places a strict, low cap on security deposits. A landlord can collect a maximum of one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater (RSA 540-A:6). The deposit must be held in a bank account in New Hampshire (or at a bank with an NH branch), kept separate from the landlord's personal funds, and returned within 30 days of the tenancy's end with an itemized list of any deductions.
For more detail, see our New Hampshire Security Deposits deep dive.
Evictions
The eviction process in New Hampshire is a tightly regulated judicial proceeding. A landlord cannot attempt "self-help" evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities). Every eviction must flow through the District Court via a Landlord and Tenant Writ.
Common notice periods include:
- Nonpayment of Rent: A 7-day demand for rent, followed by a 30-day notice to quit if unpaid.
- Lease Violations / No Cause: A 30-day notice to quit.
For more detail, see our New Hampshire Eviction Process guide.
Rent Increases
New Hampshire has no rent control. No municipality can enact a rent cap ordinance. A landlord can increase the rent by any amount, provided they give the tenant 30 days' written notice before the increase takes effect (RSA 540-B:1). Increases are limited to once per lease term, or no more than once every 30 days for a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy.
For more detail, see our New Hampshire Rent Increases guide.
Late Fees: The 15-Day Rule
New Hampshire has a unique protection for tenants regarding late fees. Under RSA 540-A:8, a landlord cannot charge a late fee until rent is at least 15 days overdue. There is no statutory cap on the dollar amount, but fees must be reasonable and clearly stated in the lease.
For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.
Automating New Hampshire Compliance
Tracking the strict 30-day deposit return window, monitoring the 15-day grace period before late fees kick in, and generating proper RSA 540-compliant eviction notices requires perfect administrative oversight. Landager automates these precise statutory timelines for New Hampshire property owners, ensuring your portfolio operates entirely within state law.
Explore more New Hampshire compliance topics:
Sources & Official References
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