New Hampshire Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our New Hampshire law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes New Hampshire landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
New Hampshire lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | 1 month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days |
| Interest on deposits | required (deposits held 1+ year) |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours typical ("reasonable notice" standard) |
| Late fee cap | no statutory percentage cap |
| Rent grace period | no statutory grace period |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 4 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 2 disclosures required |
New Hampshire lease law guides
- New Hampshire Security Deposit Limit1 month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater)
- New Hampshire Deposit Return Deadline30 days
- New Hampshire Deposit Interest Rulesinterest required (deposits held 1+ year)
- New Hampshire Landlord Entry Notice24 hours typical ("reasonable notice" standard)
- New Hampshire Late Fee Lawsno statutory percentage cap
- New Hampshire Rent Grace Periodno statutory grace period
- New Hampshire Prohibited Lease Clauses4 restricted clause types
- New Hampshire Required Disclosures2 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under New Hampshire law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rightsLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 4 prohibited clause types in New Hampshire, with statute citations →
Disclosures New Hampshire landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Move-In Checklist
What each required disclosure covers in New Hampshire, with citations →
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New Hampshire lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater). Conditions can apply — see the New Hampshire security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Hampshire?
- Generally 30 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the New Hampshire deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in New Hampshire?
- Yes — New Hampshire law requires interest on held security deposits for deposits held 1+ year. Conditions can apply — see the New Hampshire deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire requires "reasonable notice" rather than a fixed hour minimum — 24 hours is the typical interpretation. Conditions can apply — see the New Hampshire landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Conditions can apply — see the New Hampshire late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in New Hampshire?
- There is no statutory grace period in New Hampshire; rent is late the day after it is due unless your lease says otherwise. Conditions can apply — see the New Hampshire rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire law restricts 4 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in New Hampshire?
- New Hampshire requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Move-In Checklist (Landlord must provide move-in checklist. Conditions can apply — see the New Hampshire required disclosures guide for details.
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.