Accessible Requirements for New Rental Units in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, renters who need accessible features in new rental housing have specific rights protected by both state and federal law. Accessible unit requirements help ensure everyone can live comfortably, regardless of disability status. Understanding these requirements is essential when searching for or moving into a newly built apartment or rental home in New Hampshire.

What Makes a Rental Unit Accessible in New Hampshire?

For new construction (built after 1991) with four or more rental units, there are legal obligations for accessibility. These come from the federal Fair Housing Act and the New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination. Rental properties must be designed and constructed so that people with disabilities have equal access and use of their home.

Key Accessible Features Required by Law

• An accessible building entrance on an accessible route (a path without stairs or barriers)
• Accessible and usable public and common areas (like mailrooms, laundry, and parking)
• Doorways wide enough for wheelchairs (at least 32 inches clear width)
• Units must have:
  • Accessible routes into and through the dwelling
  • Light switches, outlets, and thermostats at accessible heights
  • Reinforced bathroom walls for grab bars
  • Kitchens and bathrooms usable by people with mobility aids

Buildings with no elevator: only ground-floor units are required to meet these standards. Buildings with an elevator: all units must meet accessible requirements.^[1][2]

Additional Protections: Accommodations and Modifications

Even if a unit is not fully accessible, renters with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations (changes in rules, services, or policies) and reasonable modifications (physical changes to the unit). Landlords cannot refuse reasonable requests as long as they do not create an undue financial or administrative burden.

Official Forms for Accessible Housing Requests

New Hampshire does not have a standard statewide form, but you can use the following:

• Reasonable Accommodation Request (HUD Form 92006)
  HUD Form 92006 is used to formally request accommodations for accessibility needs. For example, you might submit this if you need a reserved parking space due to mobility impairment. Give this completed form to your landlord or property manager.
• Discrimination Complaint Form – New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights
  If you have been denied an accessible unit, or a reasonable modification, you can file a complaint using the Discrimination Complaint Form. Submit this to the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR).

Who Oversees Accessible Rental Housing in New Hampshire?

The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR) investigates rental discrimination and accessibility issues statewide. For federal matters (including Fair Housing Act violations), you may also contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Both agencies can help renters file official complaints and mediate disputes about accessible housing.

What Laws Protect Accessible Units in New Hampshire?

• New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination - RSA 354-A
• Federal Fair Housing Act (as amended in 1988)

Landlords and housing providers must follow all these requirements in new construction, and renters have a right to request the features or changes they need.

How to Take Action If Your Unit Isn’t Accessible

If your new unit doesn’t meet these requirements, or you’re denied a needed modification or accommodation:

• Document your need with a written request to your landlord
• If unresolved, submit a complaint to the NHCHR
• Contact HUD if it’s a federal housing matter

1. What types of new rental buildings must provide accessible units?
   Most new multifamily buildings (four or more units, built after 1991) must meet accessibility requirements. This includes apartment complexes and some duplexes or triplexes built as part of larger complexes.
2. How do I request an accessible unit or modification?
   Write a request to your landlord or use HUD Form 92006. If denied, you can file a complaint with the NHCHR.
3. Who enforces these rights in New Hampshire?
   The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights investigates complaints and enforces anti-discrimination laws related to accessible rentals.
4. What do I do if my landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation?
   If informal requests are denied, file a written complaint with the NHCHR and consider seeking help from disability advocacy groups or HUD.
5. Does New Hampshire have resources to help me find accessible housing?
   Yes. The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority lists rental properties and resources for accessible housing.

Key Takeaways for New Hampshire Renters

• New construction (four or more units, built after 1991) must be accessible by law
• Renters can request reasonable accommodations or modifications
• The NHCHR and HUD are official sources of help and complaint resolution

Knowing your rights can make it easier to secure an accessible home and advocate for needed changes if you face barriers as a renter in New Hampshire.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR) – Handles tenancy discrimination and accessibility complaints statewide
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint – File federal complaints about accessible housing
• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority – Rental search and accessible housing resources

---

1. [1] New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights: FAQ – Housing Discrimination
2. [2] HUD: Accessibility Requirements for Buildings
3. [3] NH Law Against Discrimination (RSA 354-A)

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations