New Hampshire Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Types (6)

Commercial (PDF)

A fixed-term agreement for leasing retail, office, industrial, or other commercially-zoned property to a business tenant.

Lease-to-Own (PDF)

A rental contract that grants the tenant the option to purchase the property at an agreed-upon price after an initial lease period.

Month-to-Month

An ongoing tenancy that continues until the landlord or tenant decides to end it with at least 30 days’ written notice.

Roommate (PDF)

Signed by people sharing a rental to agree on rent splits, guest policies, pet rules, and daily living expectations.

Standard (Residential)

Used to rent a house, apartment, or condo in New Hampshire for a fixed period, normally 1 year, with terms governed by state statute.

Sublease (PDF)

Gives the current tenant the right to hand over their rental to another person for the duration of the remaining lease, with the landlord’s OK.

What is a New Hampshire Lease Agreement?

A New Hampshire lease agreement outlines the terms that a landlord and tenant agree to for a rental. It records the rent, permitted uses of the property, maintenance duties, and conditions under which either party may end the tenancy.

New Hampshire prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who file complaints with housing authorities or exercise their legal rights. The state also requires landlords to maintain rental premises in compliance with the state housing code and to give reasonable notice before entering a tenant’s unit.

State Laws & Guides

Laws:

• RSA Ch. 540 – Actions Against Tenants
• RSA Ch. 540-A – Prohibited Practices and Security Deposits

When is Rent Due?

Rent is due “upon demand” as stated in the lease. The lease agreement must specify when and how rent is to be paid. There is no state-mandated grace period.[1]

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Landlords may enter the rental unit without notice to make emergency repairs.[2]

Non-Emergency: Landlords must provide adequate notice under the circumstances before entering to perform maintenance, inspections, or other lawful functions. While no specific time period is set by statute, adequate notice is generally interpreted as at least 24 hours.[2]

Landlord’s Duties

Under New Hampshire law, landlords must:

• Habitability: Maintain the premises in a condition fit for human habitation.
• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building, housing, and health codes.
• Repairs: Make all necessary repairs to keep the dwelling safe and habitable.
• Common Areas: Keep shared areas clean and in a safe condition.
• Systems: Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and sanitary systems in good working order.

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants must comply with the following:

• Cleanliness: Keep the rental unit clean and sanitary.
• Trash: Dispose of garbage in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Appliances & Systems: Use all fixtures and appliances in the manner they are intended.
• Property Care: Do not deliberately or negligently damage any part of the premises.
• Quiet Enjoyment: Do not disturb other tenants’ peaceful enjoyment of the premises.
• Lease Terms: Comply with all obligations imposed by the lease agreement.

Required Disclosures

Lead-Based Paint: Required under federal law for all dwellings built before 1978. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA information pamphlet.[3]

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount: The security deposit cannot exceed 1 month’s rent or $100, whichever is greater.[4]

Returning to Tenant: The deposit must be returned within 30 days after the tenancy ends. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide a written itemized list of deductions.[5]

Deposit Interest: Required for leases longer than 1 year. The rate must equal the rate paid by the bank or institution where the deposit is held.[4]

Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may deduct for:[5]

• Unpaid rent
• Real estate taxes (if agreed to in the lease)
• Other expenses as stated in the lease agreement