New Hampshire Notice to enter

Related New Hampshire rules

Lockouts and utility shutoffs

Banned. A landlord may not willfully interrupt utilities (water, heat, light, electricity, gas, sewer, etc.) except temporarily during repairs or emergencies, or seize or deny the tenant access to the premises except through court process.

Verified Source: RSA 540-A:3, I–II · last checked 2026-10-25 · Full New Hampshire lockouts and utility shutoffs page

Retaliation protections

Yes. Unless the tenant owes a week's rent or more, retaliation is a defense to eviction when the tenant reported code or RSA 540-A violations, took good-faith legal action, or met with other tenants. An eviction, rent increase or substantial change in terms within 6 months is presumed retaliatory.

Verified Source: RSA 540:13-a, 540:13-b · last checked 2026-10-25 · Full New Hampshire retaliation protections page

Repairs and habitability remedies

It is a defense to an eviction for nonpayment if the unit substantially violates health and safety fitness standards that materially affect habitability, the tenant was current on rent when giving notice, and the landlord failed to fix the violation within 14 days (or promptly in an emergency). The court may continue the case for up to a month and require withheld rent to be paid into court.

Verified Source: RSA 540:13-d · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Hampshire repairs and habitability remedies page

Rental inspections

No state statute creating a rental inspection program was found in New Hampshire RSA chapters 540 through 540-C (landlord and tenant chapters).

Verified Source: N.H. RSA chs. 540-540-C · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Hampshire rental inspections page