Fair Housing Enforcement in New Hampshire: Your Rights and Resources

If you’re renting in New Hampshire and facing suspected discrimination or unfair treatment, it’s important to know your protections under fair housing laws. Agencies in New Hampshire are responsible for helping renters challenge discriminatory practices and enforcing tenants’ rights. Understanding your options can help you take action if you’re treated unfairly because of your race, disability, family status, or another protected characteristic in housing.

Understanding Fair Housing Discrimination in New Hampshire

Fair housing laws make it illegal for landlords or property managers to discriminate against renters based on certain protected categories. In New Hampshire, these include:

• Race, color, or national origin
• Religion or creed
• Sex (including gender identity or sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (presence of children under 18)
• Age, marital status, and others under state law

If you believe you’ve been denied housing, charged higher rent, or experienced other unfair treatment because of these characteristics, you may have grounds for a fair housing complaint.

How Fair Housing Testing and Enforcement Works

Fair housing enforcement agencies use methods like testing to uncover hidden discrimination. Testing usually means sending people ("testers") with similar backgrounds—except for the protected class—to apply for the same rental. If one applicant receives worse treatment, this may indicate illegal discrimination.

In New Hampshire, enforcement is handled by the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR) and sometimes by federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if your case affects federal law.

Who Handles Fair Housing Complaints in New Hampshire?

The main state agency handling residential tenancy discrimination is:

• New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights (NHCHR) – investigates and enforces fair housing complaints.

For federal housing claims, cases may also be addressed by HUD. You can learn about their process on the HUD Fair Housing Complaint page.

What Happens During an Investigation?

• The agency will review your complaint and may gather evidence.
• They may use testing to investigate suspected discrimination.
• If discrimination is found, the agency can order remedies such as granting you access to housing, awarding damages, or ordering policy changes.

It’s important to act quickly—complaints must usually be filed within one year of the alleged discrimination.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint: Forms & Steps

You have options to report housing discrimination in New Hampshire:

• NHCHR Intake Questionnaire: NHCHR Intake Questionnaire PDF
• When and how to use it: Complete this form if you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination or harassment in New Hampshire. For example, if a landlord refuses to rent to you based on your family status, fill out the intake questionnaire as soon as possible and submit it to NHCHR.
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint: HUD Discrimination Complaint Form
• When and how to use it: File this form if your issue spans federal law or involves federal programs. The online form is user-friendly for renters. For instance, if you think you were denied a federally subsidized apartment due to disability, submit HUD Form 903 online.

Relevant New Hampshire Tenancy Legislation

• New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination (RSA 354-A)
• Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.)

These laws define your rights and outline the processes for enforcement in rental housing situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is “fair housing testing”?
   Fair housing testing is a method used by enforcement agencies to identify hidden discrimination, by comparing how landlords treat different applicants with similar qualifications but different protected characteristics.
2. What types of discrimination are illegal in New Hampshire rental housing?
   It’s unlawful to discriminate due to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including LGBTQ+ status), disability, familial status, age, or marital status under state and federal fair housing laws.
3. How do I file a housing discrimination complaint in New Hampshire?
   Fill out the NHCHR Intake Questionnaire and submit it to the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. Federal complaints may also be filed using HUD’s online form.
4. What happens after I file a complaint?
   The agency will review your case, may conduct testing or interviews, and if discrimination is found, can order remedies or penalties for the landlord.
5. Is there a deadline for filing a fair housing complaint?
   Yes—you must generally file your complaint within one year of when the discrimination occurred.

Conclusion: Your Rights and Next Steps

• New Hampshire renters are legally protected from discrimination in housing.
• Enforcement agencies like the NHCHR and HUD are available to help—don’t hesitate to reach out or file a complaint.
• Quick action using proper forms protects your rights and helps stop unfair practices.

If you experience unfair treatment in housing, remember that resources and agencies are ready to stand up for your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights: Official agency for discrimination complaints (humanrights@nh.gov or (603) 271-2767)
• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA): Offers general rental and housing guidance
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: National resource for federal housing rights
• New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination: Read the full statute online

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1. New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights
2. New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination (RSA 354-A)
3. Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.)
4. NHCHR Intake Questionnaire (State form)
5. HUD Online Complaint Form (HUD Form 903)

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