What Is a New Hampshire Lease Agreement?
A New Hampshire lease agreement is a written contract between the landlord and the tenant. This form governs rent payments, security deposits, property maintenance, and lease termination. Creating this contract ensures clear communication and understanding for everyone involved.
Legal Templates’s free New Hampshire lease agreements include state-specific terms and information. Use our forms to record the obligations and rights of each party.
New Hampshire Landlord-Tenant Laws
Lease agreements define the obligations and protections of all parties involved. The lease terms must meet the requirements provided in New Hampshire’s landlord-tenant laws. View the table below for an overview of the most relevant state lease laws.
| Topic | Rules | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Control | None | N/A |
| Security Deposits | No more than 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater | NH Rev Stat § 540-A:6 |
| Late Fees | No limit, but must be reasonable and written in the lease terms | N/A |
| Grace Periods | None | N/A |
| Landord Entry | Must provide reasonable written or verbal notice | NH Rev Stat § 540-A:3 |
New Hampshire Lease Agreements – By Type
The terms and formatting of a lease agreement may vary depending on its purpose and duration. Long-term, short-term, commercial, and residential leases each include their own specific provisions. Consider the types of New Hampshire lease agreements to find the form that fits your needs.
New Hampshire Standard Lease Agreement
Facilitates a rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant for residential property.
New Hampshire Commercial Lease Agreement
Lets a landlord and a tenant enter a relationship so the tenant can rent commercial property for conducting their business.
New Hampshire Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Establishes a landlord-tenant arrangement and gives a tenant the choice to buy the property after the lease ends.
New Hampshire Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Renews automatically every month unless terminated.
New Hampshire Sublease Agreement
Creates a supplementary lease agreement where the original tenant remains responsible to the original landlord.
New Hampshire Room Rental Agreement
Governs room renting and outlines financial commitments among individuals leasing separate rooms within a shared living space.
Rent Payment Regulations In New Hampshire
New Hampshire state law does not include any rent control statutes. Landlords may charge any amount; however, it’s recommended to remain reasonable to avoid disputes. Additionally, there are no late fee limits or grace period requirements. Late fee amounts and terms must be included in the lease terms, and landlords must provide a 7-day notice to pay or quit before initiating eviction proceedings.
New Hampshire Security Deposit Rules
Security deposit charges in New Hampshire cannot exceed the greater amount of either one month’s rent or $100. For landlords who own more than six rental properties, the security deposit cannot exceed $100, regardless of the monthly rent. Security deposit receipts are also required by state law, and the deposit must be kept in an interest-bearing account at a New Hampshire bank.
At the end of the lease period, the deposit must be returned to the tenant within 30 days. Any deductions must be recorded in an itemized statement of damages and repair costs. Landlords may only take deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear or for the cost of handling abandoned property. Any interest earned from the deposit must also be given to the tenant if the deposit was held for over a year.
Landlord Entry and Repairs in New Hampshire
If the landlord needs to enter the premises, they must provide the tenant with a reasonable written or verbal notice. The tenant should not refuse reasonable entry for repairs or inspections. If an emergency exists, the landlord is permitted to enter without notice.
New Hampshire laws also divide the responsibility for property conditions and maintenance. Landlords must maintain habitable conditions, promptly repair issues, and ensure the availability of essential services, such as heat, water, and electricity. They are also required to ensure the property meets health and safety codes.
The tenant also has an obligation to keep their unit clean, use appliances properly, and follow health and safety regulations. They must also make an effort to avoid intentional damage and notify the landlord of repairs.
Required New Hampshire Lease Disclosures
Disclosure forms provide additional information for tenants before they enter into a lease. These documents promote transparency and communication. New Hampshire law requires the following disclosures for lease agreements:
- Lead-based hazards: The landlord must provide lead-based hazard disclaimers for properties built before 1978.
- Lease copy: A landlord must issue a copy of the lease with the parties’ signatures to the tenant within 30 days.
- Move-in checklist: A landlord must provide a tenant with a list of necessary repairs within five days of the tenant’s move-in date.
Terminating a New Hampshire Lease Agreement
When either party wishes to end the lease, they must follow the termination procedures outlined in the agreement. In New Hampshire, a month-to-month tenancy can be terminated by providing written notice at least 30 days before the next rent due date.
If a tenant leaves personal property behind after moving out, the landlord must notify the tenant in writing. The tenant is given a reasonable period, typically 7 days, to claim their items. If the tenant does not collect the property within this timeframe, the landlord may dispose of it in any manner they see fit.
Sample New Hampshire Lease Agreement
Legal Templates’s free New Hampshire lease agreement forms include state-compliant terms and formatting. Use our customizable templates, available in PDF and Word format, to set your desired lease terms.
