Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in New Hampshire

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in New Hampshire, mainly from the RSA chapters 540 and 540-A (Landlord and Tenant). Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater1,2,3RSA 540-A:6, I(a)

A landlord may not charge a deposit of more than one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. Owners renting a single-family home with no other rentals, and owners living in a building of five or fewer units, are exempt unless the unit is rented to someone 60 or older.

Deposit return deadline

30 days2,4RSA 540-A:7, I

Within 30 days after the tenant moves out, the landlord must return the deposit with any interest due, or send a written itemized list of deductions.

Interest on deposits

Required if held 1 year or longer1,2RSA 540-A:6, IV(a)

A landlord who holds a deposit for a year or longer must pay the tenant interest at the rate paid on regular savings accounts by the bank holding it.

Late fees

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days2

The Attorney General's guide says a tenant should give at least 30 days' notice before leaving, unless the lease sets a different period.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice of a rent increase

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Statewide rent limits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Landlord entry

Tenant's consent required, no set notice period5RSA 540-A:3, IV

A landlord may not enter without the tenant's prior consent, except for emergency repairs. No general notice period is set.

Notice for unpaid rent

7 days2,6,7RSA 540:2, II(a), 540:3, II

For unpaid rent, the landlord must make a demand and give seven days' written notice to quit.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. RSA 540-A:6, New Hampshire General Courtofficial
  2. Consumer Sourcebook: Renting, New Hampshire Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney Generalofficial
  3. RSA 540-A:5, New Hampshire General Courtofficial
  4. RSA 540-A:7 (2025), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  5. RSA 540-A:3, New Hampshire General Courtofficial
  6. RSA 540:2 (2025), Justia (quotes state code)secondary
  7. RSA 540:3 (2025), Justia (quotes state code)secondary

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.