New Hampshire has no rent control. The state's landlord-tenant law is less detailed than many states — security deposit rules are basic and habitability protections rely more on common law and local housing codes than on statute. New Hampshire is not a no-cause-eviction state, however: "restricted" property (most non-owner-occupied rentals) can be terminated only for a statutory good cause under RSA 540:2, II. Manchester and Nashua have housing inspection programs that provide some additional leverage.
New Hampshire at a Glance
Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: New Hampshire has no rent control law and no city has enacted one. New Hampshire's landlord-tenant law (RSA 540) requires statutory good cause to terminate "restricted" property (most non-owner-occupied rentals) under RSA 540:2, II; only "nonrestricted" property (owner-occupied buildings of 4 or fewer units, owners of 3 or fewer single-family homes, and certain foreclosed property under RSA 540:1-a) may be terminated without cause.
What Protections New Hampshire Tenants Do Have
Even without rent control, New Hampshire law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:
Security Deposit
Security deposits are capped at 1 month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater). Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Failure to do so entitles you to double the wrongfully withheld amount (RSA 540-A:6). If the landlord holds the deposit for one year or longer, you are also entitled to interest on it (RSA 540-A:6, IV).
Notice to Terminate
Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (RSA 540:3). For "restricted" property (most non-owner-occupied rentals), the landlord must also have a statutory good cause under RSA 540:2, II; only "nonrestricted" property (owner-occupied buildings of 4 or fewer units, owners of 3 or fewer single-family homes, and certain foreclosed property under RSA 540:1-a) may be terminated without cause.
Habitability
New Hampshire recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Landlords must maintain essential services including heat and plumbing. Contact your local housing inspector for code violations — municipal enforcement is often the most effective remedy.
Retaliation Protection
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting housing code violations or exercising legal rights (RSA 540:13-a).
Eviction Process
Landlords must provide written notice and file for eviction through the district court. Self-help eviction — changing locks or removing property — is prohibited (RSA 540-A:2). Effective July 1, 2026, HB60 amends RSA 540:2 to add expiration of a residential lease term of 12 months or longer as a good-cause ground to non-renew "restricted" property, requiring at least 60 days' written notice and a possessory action filed within 6 months of the lease expiration (RSA 540:2).