Landlord Entry and Surprise Inspections in New Hampshire

As a renter in New Hampshire, you have important privacy rights protected by law. It's important to understand when and how your landlord can legally enter your rental unit so you can feel secure in your home. This guide breaks down the entry laws, required notice periods, and what to do if your landlord attempts a surprise inspection in New Hampshire.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental in New Hampshire?

Under New Hampshire law, landlords must respect your right to quiet enjoyment and reasonable privacy in your rental home. Landlords cannot enter your unit at any time or for any reason they choose. They are permitted entry for certain reasons, such as:

• To make necessary repairs
• To inspect the premises
• To show the unit to prospective renters, buyers, contractors, or lenders
• In cases of emergency (such as fire, flooding, or urgent repairs)

These rules are designed to balance the landlord’s need to maintain their property with your right to privacy.

Is Notice Required for Entry?

In most situations, New Hampshire landlords must provide "reasonable notice" before entering your apartment. The state’s main rental law, New Hampshire RSA 540-A:3, requires landlords to give notice except in emergencies.^[1]

• There is no set hour or day notice specified in law. However, 24 hours' notice is widely accepted as "reasonable" in most situations.
• Emergency situations (for example, a burst pipe or fire) do not require prior notice.
• You do not need to be home for the landlord to enter, but the landlord cannot abuse the right to enter or use it to harass you.

If you believe your landlord is entering without proper notice or using "surprise inspections" as a means of harassment, you have a right to object and seek assistance.

What Is Considered a Surprise Inspection?

A surprise inspection is when a landlord enters your home without any warning, typically without the required prior notice. In New Hampshire, this is generally not allowed except when there is a genuine emergency threatening property or tenant safety.

If your landlord conducts an inspection or enters your unit unexpectedly for routine reasons (such as checking fire alarms or inspecting for repairs) without advance notice, it is likely a violation of your rights under RSA 540-A:3.^[1]

What Should You Do If Your Landlord Enters Without Notice?

You have several options if you believe your landlord has entered illegally:

• Document each incident with photos, dates, and a description of what happened
• Send a written request to your landlord reminding them of New Hampshire’s notice requirements
• If the issue continues, file a complaint with your local District Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court, which handles tenancy issues
• Contact New Hampshire Legal Aid services for advice

Relevant Form: Complaint in Landlord-Tenant Matters (NH JB-2706-DP)

This is the official form to initiate a complaint in landlord-tenant disputes, such as unlawful entry. If your privacy has been violated, you may use this form to ask the court for relief (such as demanding your landlord stop entering without notice).

• Form name: Complaint in Landlord-Tenant Matters (NH JB-2706-DP)
• When to use: Use if your landlord repeatedly enters without notice or ignores reasonable privacy requests, and previous direct communication has failed.
• Download the Complaint in Landlord-Tenant Matters (NH JB-2706-DP)

How to file: Bring your completed form to the District Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court. For more details, visit the District Division information page.

Official Tribunal for Residential Tenancies in New Hampshire

Landlord-tenant disputes in New Hampshire are generally handled by the District Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court.^[2] This tribunal handles complaints related to unlawful entry, eviction, and other tenancy matters.

FAQ: New Hampshire Landlord Entry and Privacy

1. Can my landlord enter my unit without notice in New Hampshire?
   Generally, landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies.
2. What counts as an emergency for entry?
   Situations that threaten immediate harm or property damage, such as fires, gas leaks, or burst pipes, allow landlords to enter without notice.
3. Is verbal notice enough for entry?
   New Hampshire law does not specify the form of notice, but it is best practice to require written notice for documentation.
4. Can I refuse entry if my landlord gives short notice?
   If the notice is not reasonable (for example, only a few minutes or hours), you have the right to request a rescheduling unless it's an emergency.
5. What should I do if my landlord keeps entering without notice?
   Document all incidents and file a complaint with the District Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court if the situation continues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New Hampshire Renters

• Landlords must give reasonable notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies.
• Surprise inspections are generally not legal in New Hampshire.
• You can file a complaint with the Circuit Court if your privacy is violated.

Knowing these rights helps protect your privacy and ensures you have a safe, respectful home environment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• District Division of the New Hampshire Circuit Court – handles landlord-tenant complaints
• New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) – free tenant legal help
• New Hampshire RSA 540-A:3 – Landlord and Tenant Law
• Information about landlord-tenant forms

---

1. See RSA 540-A:3 – Prohibited Practices (New Hampshire General Court).
2. For tribunals: District Division, New Hampshire Circuit Court.

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