Pest Infestations: New Hampshire Renters’ Rights & Remedies

If you’re a renter in New Hampshire dealing with a pest problem—like bed bugs, rodents, or cockroaches—it’s important to understand your rights. In New Hampshire, the law protects tenants’ health and safety by requiring landlords to maintain habitable conditions, which includes managing and resolving pest infestations. This guide will help you navigate what to do, how to notify your landlord, and actions you can take if pests aren’t addressed properly.

Understanding Pest Responsibilities in New Hampshire Rentals

The New Hampshire RSA 48-A:14 – Rental Housing Standards sets minimum health and safety requirements for rental units. Landlords must provide apartments that are free from infestations, including bed bugs, insects, or rodents. If a pest problem arises, landlords generally must take prompt action to correct it.

• Landlord Duties: Keep all areas (including common spaces) clean and pest-free.
• Tenant Duties: Maintain cleanliness and promptly report any pest issues in writing.

What to Do If You Discover a Pest Infestation

If you notice signs of pests such as live bugs, droppings, nesting, bites, or evidence of rodents, follow these steps:

• Document the infestation by taking photos and keeping records of sightings.
• Review your lease for any pest or maintenance clauses.
• Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible—keep a copy for your records.

Official Form: Notice to Landlord of Code Violation or Needed Repairs

New Hampshire does not have a standard statewide form for pest complaints, but tenants usually send a written letter. You can use the sample repair request letter provided by the NH Department of Justice as a guide.

• When to use: If you find a pest infestation in your rental.
• How to use: Send a dated, signed written notice (by mail or email) describing the problem and requesting prompt remediation.

If the Problem Isn’t Fixed: Health & Safety Complaint

If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days for non-emergency repairs), you can contact your local code enforcement office or health officer. Find your municipality’s health officer through the NH Department of Health and Human Services.

Filing a Complaint or Action

If the local authorities confirm serious pest violations, you may be entitled to withhold rent, seek repair costs, or terminate your lease as permitted by the law.

• Tenants may file complaints with the New Hampshire Circuit Court—District Division (Landlord and Tenant Court), which handles residential tenancy disputes.
• Reference: NH RSA 540 – Landlord and Tenant

Key Points on Legal Protections

• Landlords must deliver units free of health hazards, including pests (RSA 48-A:14).
• Tenants must provide timely written notice and cooperate with access for inspections or treatment.
• You may not be evicted just for reporting a pest infestation—retaliatory eviction is prohibited under NH RSA 540:13-a.

Tip: Always request repairs in writing and keep detailed records. If local code enforcement verifies a health or safety code violation, you may have further legal remedies available.

FAQ: Pest Infestation Rentals in New Hampshire

1. Who is responsible for treating pest infestations in New Hampshire apartments?
   Landlords are responsible for ensuring apartments remain free of pests, unless the infestation is due to the tenant’s extreme neglect or lack of cleanliness.
2. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t fix a pest problem?
   Withholding rent is only allowed if a significant health or safety violation is confirmed by a local authority and after proper legal notice—always check with your town and New Hampshire law before doing so.
3. How do I notify my landlord about pests?
   Send a written notice describing the problem and requesting repairs, and keep records of your communication. A sample repair letter is available from the NH Department of Justice.
4. What government agency can I contact for unresolved pest complaints?
   Contact your municipal health officer or code enforcement office. If unresolved, cases can go to the New Hampshire Circuit Court—District Division (Landlord and Tenant Court).
5. Is my landlord allowed to evict me for reporting pest infestations?
   No. New Hampshire law protects tenants from retaliatory eviction when reporting health and safety code violations, including pest issues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords must keep rentals habitable and pest-free under New Hampshire law.
• Always report infestations in writing and document the situation.
• If not addressed, involve your municipal health officer or file a district court complaint.

Understanding the steps and protections available empowers renters to resolve pest issues and maintain a healthy home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NH Department of Justice – Landlord/Tenant Resources
• Find Your Local Health Officer (for reporting serious pest/code violations)
• New Hampshire Circuit Court—District Division (Landlord and Tenant Court)
• Read NH RSA 48-A:14 – Rental Housing Standards
• New Hampshire Housing – Resources for Renters

---

1. New Hampshire RSA 48-A:14 – Rental Housing Standards
2. NH RSA 540 – Landlord and Tenant
3. New Hampshire Circuit Court—District Division
4. NH Department of Justice: Tenants’ Rights
5. New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: Local Health Officers

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