A New Hampshire standard residential lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant for renting residential property.
It covers important provisions such as rent amount, payment date, security deposits, lease length, termination options, utilities, and obligations of both parties.
Lease Length Considerations
- The maximum length of a standard residential lease is one year.
- Lease agreements for a duration of one year or longer must be in writing.
- Verbal leases are legally valid for terms shorter than one year; it’s recommended that all leases be in writing to avoid disputes.
- Each tenancy is considered at will, with rent payable on demand unless otherwise specified in the contract. [1]
Required Lease Disclosures
- Lease copy.
- Move-in checklist.
- Security deposit receipt.
Explore our New Hampshire lease agreements page for more details on required disclosures and applicable laws.
Security Deposit
Rent Grace Period
- Grace Period: No state-mandated grace period.
- Maximum Late Fee: No specific limit under state law.
- NSF Fee: Not explicitly regulated by state law; must be reasonable and disclosed in the lease.
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Chapter 540 (Actions Against Tenants).
- Handbook – New Consumer’s New Hampshire Sourcebook.
