New Hampshire Rent Control Laws: 2025 Guide for Renters

If you’re renting in New Hampshire, you might be wondering if there are any rent control laws to protect you from large or sudden rent increases. Rent control and rent stabilization are common topics for renters nationwide, with many looking for clarity on their rights. In New Hampshire, the regulations around rent control—and your possible responses to rent hikes—are unique. This article covers everything you need to know for 2025, including which official bodies oversee landlord-tenant matters, key legislation, official forms, and resources that can help.

Does New Hampshire Have Rent Control or Rent Stabilization?

As of 2025, New Hampshire does not have statewide or local rent control or rent stabilization laws. This means there are no legal limits on how much a landlord can increase rent, and local governments do not have authority to set such rules.

• Landlords can increase rent by any amount when the lease ends or with proper notice for month-to-month rentals.
• No city or municipality in New Hampshire has adopted rent control ordinances.

Rents are set by the private market. However, landlords must provide timely notice before increasing rent, and they cannot increase rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. These protections are laid out in the New Hampshire RSA Chapter 540—Proceedings Against Tenants.^[1]

How Are Rent Increases Regulated in New Hampshire?

Even though there is no cap on rent increases, landlords must follow certain rules regarding notice:

• Month-to-month leases: Landlords must give you at least 30 days’ written notice before the next rent due date to increase the rent.
• Fixed-term leases: Rent generally can’t change until the lease expires unless the lease specifically allows for increases.

Required Notice to Quit and Other Official Forms

Landlords are required to use specific Notice to Quit forms when they want you to vacate—often used when rent is unpaid or if a lease isn’t renewed. Here are the main forms New Hampshire renters may encounter:

• Eviction: Notice to Quit (NHJB-2338-LT):
  Use: Landlords use this form to officially start the eviction process, including for nonpayment of rent. If you get this notice, act promptly—this could be the first step in court proceedings.
  View and download Notice to Quit forms from the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.

Who Handles Landlord-Tenant Disputes?

In New Hampshire, residential tenancy disputes—like improper rent increases or contested notices—are handled by the New Hampshire Circuit Court District Division.^[2] This is where eviction hearings take place, and where renters can defend themselves or respond to landlord actions.

Your Rights as a Renter: When to Take Action

Even without rent control, you’re protected from certain unlawful rent increases. For example, increases cannot be used to discriminate (based on race, disability, etc.) or retaliate (in response to you exercising your legal rights).

• Document all communications if you suspect retaliation or discrimination.
• If you believe your rights were violated, you can file a complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights.

If you receive a Notice to Quit for nonpayment, it’s crucial to respond within the timeframe stated or seek legal advice to protect your housing.

Key State Legislation: What to Know

• RSA Chapter 540—Proceedings Against Tenants: Covers eviction, notice periods, tenant rights, and more.
• RSA Chapter 540-A—Prohibited Practices: Details what landlords and tenants cannot do, including rules regarding retaliation and lockouts.

Summing up: While New Hampshire has no rent control, tenants have important notice rights and federal/state protections against discrimination and retaliation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there any rent control in New Hampshire in 2025?
   No, New Hampshire does not have rent control or rent stabilization laws as of 2025. Landlords can set rent freely, but must provide proper notice for increases.
2. How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
   For month-to-month leases, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
3. What can I do if I receive a Notice to Quit for unpaid rent?
   You should respond immediately—consider paying the rent (if possible), communicating with your landlord, or seeking legal help. Details on responding are found on the NH Circuit Court District Division website.
4. Are eviction hearings held by a special housing tribunal?
   Eviction hearings in New Hampshire are held by the Circuit Court District Division.
5. Can I challenge a rent increase if I believe it is retaliatory?
   Yes, you may file a complaint with the NH Commission for Human Rights if you suspect retaliation or discrimination.

Key Takeaways for New Hampshire Renters

• No New Hampshire city or the state itself has adopted rent control as of 2025.
• Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice for any rent increase on a month-to-month lease.
• If you face eviction or other disputes, official court processes and tenant protections are in place—document events and seek help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Circuit Court District Division: Handles eviction and landlord-tenant matters, including hearing disputes and processing filings.
• NH Commission for Human Rights: For filing discrimination or retaliation complaints.
• New Hampshire Legal Aid – Housing Help: Free advice or assistance for renters facing eviction or legal issues.
• RSA Chapter 540 Proceedings Against Tenants: Read the full text of New Hampshire’s main tenant law.

---

1. See RSA Chapter 540 – Proceedings Against Tenants.
2. See New Hampshire Circuit Court District Division.

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