Air Quality and Ventilation Rules for New Hampshire Renters

Breathing clean air in your rental home is essential for your family’s health. In New Hampshire, there are specific standards that govern air quality and ventilation in rental housing. Understanding these rules can help you ensure your landlord keeps your home safe and meets all legal requirements.

Why Air Quality and Ventilation Matter for Renters

Poor air quality can cause health issues and make your living space uncomfortable. Factors like mold, inadequate ventilation, or toxic fumes require prompt action. New Hampshire’s housing laws set basic requirements for landlords to provide habitable, safe, and healthy homes.

New Hampshire Rental Housing Standards

State law requires all rental properties to be fit for human habitation. This means your landlord must:

• Keep the home free from health hazards, including mold, pests, and excess moisture
• Repair leaks or damage that could cause poor indoor air quality
• Maintain windows, vents, or other devices that provide fresh air

While New Hampshire does not have a specific indoor air quality law for rentals, requirements are outlined in RSA 48-A:14, Minimum Standards for Rental Housing.¹

Key Ventilation Requirements

• Rental units must have working windows or mechanical ventilation like exhaust fans.
• Bathrooms and kitchens require either an openable window or a vent to the outside.
• Landlords are responsible for maintaining these features in good repair.

If an issue is not fixed after you notify your landlord in writing, you may have the right to contact your local code enforcement officer or your town/city health department for an inspection.

Addressing Mold, Smoke, or Poor Air Quality

Mold or ongoing odors (like cigarette or furnace smoke leaks) should always be reported to your landlord in writing. Keep a copy for your records. If the problem isn’t addressed in a reasonable time, you can contact your local Healthy Homes Program or your municipality’s inspection office.

What Forms Are Available for New Hampshire Renters?

• Notice to Landlord to Repair (no standard form):
  When to Use: If your apartment has air quality problems (like mold or broken windows/vents), notify your landlord in writing. This written notice is your first step if you want to pursue any legal remedies later.
  How to Use: Write a dated letter (include your address and details of the problem), keep a copy, and send it by certified mail if possible.
  Official guidance: NH Renters' Guide – Repairs Section
• Petition for Relief (Form NHJB-2332-DP):
  When to Use: If your landlord fails to fix hazards and local officials do not order repairs, you can file this form with your local District Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court.
  How to Use: Fill out the petition, attach a copy of your written notice, and submit to the court clerk. The court may order your landlord to make repairs.
  Download and instructions: NHJB-2332-DP – Petition for Relief

Who Regulates Rental Housing Conditions?

Local code enforcement offices or municipal health officers oversee rental property conditions, including issues related to air quality and ventilation. For legal disputes, the New Hampshire Circuit Court, District Division handles landlord-tenant matters.

What Laws Protect Renters?

• New Hampshire RSA 48-A:14 – Minimum Standards for Rental Housing
• RSA 540 – Landlord and Tenant Law

Action Steps for Renters With Air Quality or Ventilation Problems

• Document any problems (dates, photos, and notes).
• Notify your landlord in writing and keep a copy.
• Contact your local health or code office if the landlord doesn’t respond.
• If necessary, file a Petition for Relief at your District Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Quality and Ventilation in New Hampshire Rentals

1. What is my landlord required to do if I report mold or ventilation problems?
   Your landlord must address health hazards by making repairs or removing mold. If not promptly resolved, contact your local code or health office.
2. Is there a standard form I should use to request repairs?
   There’s no official form, but you should always notify your landlord in writing (letter or email) and keep copies for your records.
3. Where can I file a complaint if nothing is done?
   Start with your local code enforcement or health officer. As a next step, you may file a Petition for Relief with the New Hampshire Circuit Court, District Division.
4. How long must a landlord take to fix air quality or ventilation issues?
   Repairs must be made in a “reasonable time”—usually 14 days for basic repairs, but sooner for urgent health hazards.
5. Can I withhold rent if my home has poor air quality?
   Withholding rent is risky and not generally allowed unless ordered by a court. Seek legal guidance before taking this step.

Key Takeaways for New Hampshire Renters

• Landlords must maintain safe air quality and working ventilation in rentals.
• Document concerns and send written repair requests—keep your records.
• If issues persist, contact your local code or health officer, and consider court action if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Department of Justice – Renters' Guide
• NH Circuit Court, District Division – Landlord-Tenant Dispute Filing
• NH Legal Assistance – Housing Help
• Local Health and Code Enforcement Contacts

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1. RSA 48-A:14 – Minimum Standards for Rental Housing
2. NH Department of Justice – Renters' Guide
3. NHJB-2332-DP – Petition for Relief

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