New Hampshire Rental Housing Health Code Standards Explained

If you’re renting a home or apartment in New Hampshire, you deserve a safe, healthy place to live. The state sets minimum housing health codes that your landlord must follow, from working heat to proper sanitation. If you’re unsure what your rights are or how to address a health concern in your rental, this guide will help you navigate New Hampshire’s housing health standards and find the right resources.

What Are New Hampshire's Minimum Rental Housing Health Standards?

In New Hampshire, all rental units must meet basic health and safety requirements outlined by state and local codes. These laws are designed to ensure every renter has:

• Safe drinking water and working plumbing
• Functioning heating systems (especially during cold months)
• Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Proper sanitation—free of mold, pests, or unsafe waste
• Safe electrical systems and no exposed wiring
• Floors, walls, and ceilings in good repair (no major leaks, holes, or hazards)

The New Hampshire Housing Appeals Board and your local health department enforce these standards. Rental homes must also follow the New Hampshire RSA Chapter 48-A: Regulation of Rents and Tenancies and municipal health codes¹.

Does My Town Have Additional Rules?

Many New Hampshire towns and cities have their own health codes in addition to state law. Local regulations may set more detailed rules for housing standards. If you’re concerned about conditions, check your town or city’s official website or call your local health officer.

What If My Rental Doesn't Meet Health Codes?

If you believe your home is unsafe or unhealthy, you have the right to request repairs. Start by notifying your landlord in writing and keeping a copy. Be clear about the exact problem and give your landlord a reasonable chance to fix it.

• If your landlord does not respond, you can file a complaint with your local health officer or code enforcement office.
• If the violation is serious (for example, no heat in winter, severe mold, or unsafe wiring), immediate action may be required.

Relevant Forms: New Hampshire Tenant Repair Request

• Health and Safety Complaint Form (local level):
  When to use: Use this form to officially report a suspected health or safety code violation in your home to the local health officer if your landlord doesn’t respond to repair requests.
  Example: Maria notices persistent mold in her bathroom that her landlord hasn’t addressed. She finds her town’s Health and Safety Complaint form, fills it out, and submits it to the local health department.
• Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form – New Hampshire Judicial Branch:
  When to use: If health issues are not addressed, you can file a complaint in your district court using the Landlord/Tenant Complaint (Form DC-CV-020).
  Example: After repeated requests, George still has no heating in January, so he files this form with his local district court to start formal proceedings.

How to Address Health and Safety Concerns

Not sure where to start? Here’s what to do:

• Document the issue—photos, dates, and communications are helpful
• Notify your landlord in writing and keep records
• If nothing happens, contact your health officer for an inspection
• Use the rental complaint forms for your local area (town/city websites often provide them)
• If repairs are not made, you may file a complaint through the New Hampshire District Court

The New Hampshire Housing Appeals Board is the statewide tribunal that can handle appeals related to housing code enforcement decisions².

Key Legislation Protecting Renters

New Hampshire’s primary rental housing laws include:

• RSA 48-A Regulation of Rents and Tenancies
• RSA 540: Actions Against Tenants (covers evictions and suits about unsafe conditions)

These statutes cover landlord responsibilities for habitable units and your rights if those standards are not met.

FAQ: New Hampshire Rental Health & Safety

1. What should I do if my landlord won’t fix a serious health or safety issue?
   Start by documenting the problem and notifying your landlord in writing. If repairs are not made, contact your local health officer, and consider filing a complaint using the appropriate forms described above.
2. Are landlords required to provide heat during winter?
   Yes. State and many local codes require landlords to supply working heat from September through June. See local ordinances for temperature requirements.
3. Who enforces housing health codes in New Hampshire?
   Local health officers, building inspectors, and ultimately the New Hampshire Housing Appeals Board handle enforcement and appeals.
4. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t made?
   New Hampshire law does not guarantee the right to withhold rent without court approval. Seek guidance or file with the district court first to avoid risking eviction.
5. Is my landlord responsible for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
   Yes, state law requires landlords to provide and maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in every rental unit.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NH Department of Health and Human Services – Environmental Health: Find your town or city health officer for inspections and complaints.
• New Hampshire District Court: Handles formal landlord/tenant complaints and repair disputes.
• New Hampshire Housing Appeals Board: File an appeal on housing code enforcement or tenant disputes.
• NH Bar Association Lawyer Referral: Find landlord-tenant legal advice and referrals.
• NH Tenancy Legislation Text: Review the regulations for housing health standards.

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1. See New Hampshire RSA Chapter 48-A for all landlord/tenant duties.
2. The New Hampshire Housing Appeals Board is the official tribunal for housing code appeals.

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