Protect Yourself From Affordable Housing Scams in New Hampshire

If you’re searching for affordable housing in New Hampshire, it’s important to stay vigilant against scams. New Hampshire’s competitive rental market can make renters vulnerable, especially when promises of cheap apartments or assistance seem too good to be true. Knowing how to recognize and avoid scams will help you secure a safe and legitimate home.

Common Types of Affordable Housing Scams in New Hampshire

Scammers often target renters searching for affordable housing by offering deals that seem irresistible or by impersonating trusted housing organizations. Understanding how these scams work is your first defense.

Typical Scam Tactics to Watch Out For

• Fake Listings: The scammer lists apartments that don’t exist or don’t belong to them, often copied from real sites.
• Upfront Payments: You’re asked for security deposits, application fees, or rent before seeing the unit or signing a lease.
• Pressure to Act Fast: The scammer pushes you to pay immediately or risk losing the unit.
• Requests for Unusual Payments: Being told to pay by wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or money order, which are hard to trace or recover.
• Impersonation: Scammers claim to represent legitimate organizations like a local housing authority or use email addresses that look official.

How to Verify Legitimate Affordable Housing and Assistance

New Hampshire has several trustworthy bodies that administer affordable housing and rental assistance. Working directly with these agencies helps you avoid fraudulent offers.

• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) – Key source for subsidized housing programs and Section 8 vouchers.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - New Hampshire
• Official New Hampshire Rental Assistance Programs

You can search for legitimate subsidized units on the NHHFA Rental Listings page.

Warning Signs of a Scam Rental

• Landlord refuses to meet in person or show the unit.
• Rent is suspiciously low for the neighborhood.
• They request sensitive information (like your Social Security number) too early, without a formal application.
• Communication is only by email or text, often with poor grammar or generic responses.

If you’re unsure about a rental, contact the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority for verification before proceeding.

How to Report Housing Scams in New Hampshire

If you suspect an affordable housing scam, act quickly. Reporting can help protect others and, in some cases, recover your funds.

• Contact your local police department to file a report if you’ve lost money or personal information.
• File a Consumer Complaint with the New Hampshire Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Bureau.
• Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Official Forms for Tenant Complaints

• Consumer Complaint Form
  When to use: If you are the victim of a rental scam or unfair housing practice, complete the New Hampshire Consumer Complaint Form to report the issue and initiate an investigation.
  Download the New Hampshire Consumer Complaint Form (PDF).
  Practical example: If a scammer took your deposit for a non-existent apartment, use this form to provide all relevant details so authorities can investigate.
• Fair Housing Complaint (HUD Form 903)
  When to use: If you believe you were discriminated against by a landlord or rental agent, fill out HUD Form 903 - Housing Discrimination Complaint.
  Practical example: If a landlord refuses to rent to you for reasons that seem discriminatory, submit this form to HUD for investigation.

Always keep copies of all documents and official communications for your records.

Key Legislation and Tribunal

• New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 540 - Landlord and Tenant – Governs most rental agreements, evictions, and tenant protections.
• Residential disputes in New Hampshire are generally handled by the New Hampshire Circuit Court – District Division.

FAQ: Affordable Housing Scam Prevention in New Hampshire

1. What should I do if I think I’ve encountered an affordable housing scam?
   Immediately stop all communication, do not send money or personal information, and file a complaint with the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau. You can also report the scam to your local police and the FTC.
2. How can I confirm a landlord or property is legitimate in New Hampshire?
   Check that the listing appears on official sites like NHHFA’s listings, ask for property ownership records from local city or town offices, and never pay until you’ve met in person and signed a lease.
3. Which agency should I contact to report rental scams?
   The New Hampshire Department of Justice – Consumer Protection Bureau investigates rental scams. File a complaint via their official form or call (603) 271-3641.
4. Is it legal for a landlord to ask for rent before signing a lease?
   Legitimate landlords in New Hampshire typically require a signed lease before collecting a security deposit or rent. Demands for payment prior to this may indicate a scam.
5. What laws protect renters from scams in New Hampshire?
   The New Hampshire Landlord and Tenant Act (RSA 540) outlines legal protections for renters, and the Consumer Protection Act prohibits deceptive rental practices.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority: Affordable housing lists and resources
• NH Consumer Protection Bureau: Report scams, get legal information
• NH Circuit Court – District Division: Handles tenant-landlord disputes
• HUD – New Hampshire: Federal fair housing information

---

1. New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA)
2. New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 540 – Landlord and Tenant
3. NH Department of Justice Consumer Protection Bureau
4. NH 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