A New Hampshire Rental Application is an indispensable tool for landlords, designed to gather essential information required for adequate tenant vetting.
With a high volume of applicants, this form ensures you collect the necessary data and simplifies the process of screening applicants for a lease agreement, ultimately saving you time while not overlooking crucial questions.
Laws
- Application Fee – Non-refundable
- Fee Limits – No limits
- Security Deposit – Landlord can demand a month’s rent deposit or one hundred dollars, whichever is greater.
Application Fees
Even though there is no specific maximum limit to a fee, landlords and property owners should charge a fair fee similar to the screening process cost. [1] .
Fair Housing Protections
According to the Concord Monitor, housing discrimination is banned under the Federal Fair Housing Act, and redlining neighborhoods was prohibited in 1965.
However, housing discrimination persists in some neighborhoods in the state. You need to ensure that you do not face housing discrimination lawsuits, as it can make it much more difficult for you to rent your property. Make sure you collect the information you need without facing accusations of discrimination.
Protected Classes [2]
- Race.
- Color.
- Sex.
- Familial status.
- National origin.
- Disability.
- Religion.
- Age.
- Sexual orientation.
- Gender identity.
- Marital status.
- HIV/AIDS status.
Exemptions
- Selling/renting a limited number of housing units if the owner occupies one of the units.
- Renting rooms in the owner’s residence.
- Single-family housing sold or rented by an owner who owns a limited number of homes.
- Housing operated by religious organizations or private clubs.
- Housing intended for the elderly.
- Making housing unavailable if it poses a direct threat to safety. [3]
Sex Offender Registry
Conduct thorough background checks to verify the accuracy of the potential tenant’s self-reported criminal history. This includes reviewing criminal databases, such as sex offender registries, to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
Security Deposit Limits
Landlords can charge a security deposit to their renters, but the security deposit cannot be more than one month’s rent or $100, whichever is greater. [4] Local municipalities may have their limits.
Handling of Security Deposits
The security deposit must be held in trust at a local bank, savings and loan association, or credit union within New Hampshire.
Return of Security Deposits
Upon termination of the tenancy, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days. The landlord must provide an itemized list of any deductions made for damages or unpaid rent. [5]
Pet Deposit
Landlords may not charge a pet deposit, so some property owners charge monthly pet fees, which the state allows.
Sample
Below, you can download our New Hampshire rental application in PDF or Word format:
