A New Hampshire standard 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.
Considerations on Lease Length
- 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 to have all leases in writing to avoid disputes.
- Each tenancy is considered at will, with rent payable on demand unless otherwise specified in the contract. (§ 540:1)
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): One month’s rent or $100 (§ 540-A:6(I)(a))
- Returning to Tenant: Within 30 days (§ 540-A:7(I))
Rent Grace Period
There is no rent grace period for rent payments.
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Chapter 540 (Actions Against Tenants)
- Handbook – New Consumer’s New Hampshire Sourcebook
