Rent Increases After Accessibility Upgrades in New Hampshire

If you’re renting in New Hampshire and need (or have requested) accessibility upgrades—like grab bars, ramps, or other changes—it’s important to understand your rights when it comes to rent increases. Here, you'll find up-to-date information on rent rules, relevant legislation, and practical steps to protect yourself if your landlord proposes a rent increase because of disability accommodations.

Understanding Accessibility Upgrades and Rent Increases

Under federal law—including the Fair Housing Act—New Hampshire renters with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accessibility modifications. State law offers additional guidance to ensure fair treatment. However, many renters wonder if their landlord can raise the rent after such upgrades are made.

Who Pays for Accessibility Modifications?

Typically, renters may be responsible for the cost of reasonable accessibility modifications unless the building receives federal funding. Some landlords agree to cover part or all costs. Good communication and written permission are key before making any changes.

Can Landlords Raise Rent After Accessibility Upgrades?

In New Hampshire, there is no statewide rent control. Landlords can set or increase rent with proper notice, as long as the changes are not being used to discriminate against tenants with disabilities. It’s illegal for a landlord to retaliate or penalize a renter for requesting or completing disability-related modifications. Any rent increase must:

• Be given with a minimum of 30 days’ written notice before it takes effect^[1]
• Apply equally to all tenants (discriminatory increases are not allowed)
• Not be used to “punish” a renter for asserting their disability rights^[2]

If your rent goes up right after you request or complete accessibility work, and the increase seems targeted or excessive, you may have grounds for a discrimination complaint.

Which Laws Protect You?

Several laws work together to protect New Hampshire renters from unfair rent increases related to accessibility:

• New Hampshire RSA 540: Landlord and Tenant—Covers lease and eviction rules, including notice for rent increases
• New Hampshire Law Against Discrimination (RSA 354-A)—Makes it illegal to discriminate based on disability in housing
• Federal Fair Housing Act—Protects renters with disabilities nationwide

If you believe your landlord is raising your rent to discourage disability accommodations, you have the right to file a complaint.

Official Tribunal: Who Handles Complaints?

In New Hampshire, disputes about rent increases and disability rights can be handled by the New Hampshire Human Rights Commission. For general tenancy matters, you may also go through the New Hampshire Circuit Court—District Division for landlord-tenant cases.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

If you suspect discrimination, you can use the following official form:

• New Hampshire Human Rights Commission Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

When to use it: If your landlord raises the rent after you request accessibility changes and you believe it's discriminatory.

Practical example: You ask your landlord for permission to install grab bars in the bathroom. Two weeks later, your rent goes up, but rents for other tenants do not. You can complete this form and submit it to the Human Rights Commission to have the situation reviewed.

What Notice Must Be Given for Rent Increases?

New Hampshire law requires landlords to give at least 30 days’ written notice before any rent increase, except in fixed-term leases where the rent is fixed for the term. The notice should be clear, in writing, and delivered according to the law referenced in RSA 540:1.^[1]

Action Steps for Renters

If you receive a rent increase after accessibility modifications:

• Request clarification from your landlord in writing
• Compare your rent increase with other tenants
• Keep all records, including your accessibility request and rent notice
• If you believe discrimination occurred, file a complaint with the New Hampshire Human Rights Commission

If you're unsure about your rights, consider getting advice from a renter advocacy group or state agency (see resources below).

FAQ: Rent Increases and Accessibility in New Hampshire

1. Can a landlord raise my rent just because I asked for a disability accommodation?
   No. The law prohibits landlords from retaliating or discriminating against tenants for asserting their rights to reasonable accommodation. A rent increase that specifically targets renters requesting modifications may be considered discrimination.
2. How much notice must my landlord give me for a rent increase?
   At least 30 days’ written notice is required unless you are in a fixed-term lease.
3. Who pays for accessibility upgrades in a rental?
   Unless the property receives federal funding, tenants may be responsible for costs, but landlords cannot refuse reasonable modifications or charge a higher security deposit based on disability alone.
4. What if other tenants are not getting a rent increase?
   If only renters with disability modifications are charged more, it may be discriminatory. You can contact the New Hampshire Human Rights Commission for help.
5. How do I file a complaint about a discriminatory rent increase?
   Use the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form and submit it to the Human Rights Commission.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Human Rights Commission—Handles discrimination complaints and provides information
• New Hampshire Circuit Court—District Division—Handles landlord-tenant disputes
• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority—Offers housing resources for renters
• NH Department of Health and Human Services: Disability Resources

---

1. [1] NH RSA 540:1 - Termination of Tenancy; Notice
2. [2] NH Law Against Discrimination (RSA 354-A:10)

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