New Hampshire Emergency Exit Lighting Laws for Renters

Ensuring that you have safe and well-lit exits in your rental property is not just common sense—it’s the law in New Hampshire. Proper emergency exit lighting can make a critical difference during power outages, fires, or other emergencies. As a renter, you have the right to basic safety standards, and knowing the regulations around exit lighting can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Standards in New Hampshire Rentals?

New Hampshire property owners must comply with the New Hampshire State Fire Code and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code to ensure that all exits in multi-unit dwellings are sufficiently illuminated during emergencies.^[1] Here’s what that means for renters:

• Exit signs must be clearly visible and illuminated at all times.
• Emergency lighting must automatically turn on if the power fails, lighting all designated exits and paths leading out of the building.
• Your landlord is responsible for maintaining all safety lighting in proper working order.

Which Buildings Must Follow These Rules?

Emergency exit lighting standards apply to most apartment complexes and multi-family buildings in New Hampshire. Single-family homes rented to one tenant may not require emergency exit lights, but shared or common areas in larger buildings do fall under these rules.

Key Legislation and Who Enforces It

• RSA 153: State Fire Code - Adopts fire safety regulations for all rentals.
• The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office is the main enforcement authority for fire and life safety complaints.
• Local city or town fire departments may also conduct inspections and respond to renter complaints.

For more on your rights as a tenant, see the NH Judicial Branch's Landlord-Tenant information and the New Hampshire Residential Rental Agreements Act (RSA 48-A).^[2]

What To Do If Your Emergency Lights Aren't Working

If you’ve noticed exit signs that don’t light up or emergency lights that fail during a power outage, you have the right to ask your landlord for repairs. Acting promptly is important for your safety.

• Document the issue (photos or videos can help).
• Notify your landlord in writing, describing the specific problem and requesting repairs.
• If repairs are not made within a reasonable time, you may file a safety complaint with the local fire department or the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal.

Relevant Forms for Renters

• Life Safety Complaint Form (No official form number) – Used to report fire and life safety code violations, including non-working emergency lights.
  Practical Example: If your rental building has broken or missing exit lights, fill out this form to report the issue.
  Access the State Fire Marshal's Contact Page
• Landlord-Tenant Complaint (NH District Court Form NHJB-2203-DP) – Used to initiate action against a landlord if unaddressed safety issues persist.
  Practical Example: If your landlord ignores requests to fix emergency lighting, you may file this form with the local district court.
  Download the NH District Court Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form

How to Report Emergency Lighting Violations

Reporting a safety issue can feel intimidating, but the process protects you and your neighbors. Here are the general steps:

• Try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord first.
• If there is no timely response, contact your local fire department or the State Fire Marshal.
• If safety issues remain unresolved, you can file a complaint with the district court using the proper form.

FAQ: Emergency Exit Lighting for Renters in New Hampshire

1. Who is responsible for emergency exit lighting in an apartment building?
   The landlord is responsible for installing, inspecting, and maintaining all emergency exit signs and lighting in shared and common areas.
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
   If your written request goes unanswered, you can contact your local fire department or the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal to report the violation, and may file a complaint in district court if needed.
3. Are exit lights required in single-family rentals?
   Generally, exit lights are not required for single-family homes rented to one tenant or family, but may be required in multifamily buildings and for shared common areas.
4. Which agency enforces emergency exit lighting standards in New Hampshire?
   The New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office and local fire departments enforce these standards.
5. Is emergency exit lighting addressed in the NH rental agreement laws?
   Yes. The state Residential Rental Agreements Act incorporates fire and safety code requirements that include emergency lighting and signage for applicable buildings.

Key Takeaways for New Hampshire Renters

• Emergency exit lighting is an important safety requirement for all multi-unit rental properties in New Hampshire.
• Landlords are responsible for maintaining exit signs and emergency lighting; renters can request repairs and escalate issues if necessary.
• Statutory protections are enforced by the State Fire Marshal and district courts if needed.

Understanding these laws helps you take action to keep your home safe and legal.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office - File fire safety complaints or get guidance.
• NH District Court Landlord-Tenant Division - For legal forms and dispute resolution.
• New Hampshire Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau - For general renter rights questions or help.

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1. Fire Code and exit lighting standards: RSA 153: State Fire Code
2. Tenant rights and landlord duties: RSA 48-A: Residential Rental Agreements Act

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