Tenants in New Hampshire should be aware that in 2025, the state does not have any statewide limits or rent control laws that cap how much landlords can raise rent. This absence of rent control means landlords have considerable flexibility to increase rents, but tenants still have protections and rights around notices and timing of rent hikes.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
- Landlords must provide written notice for any rent increase.
- For month-to-month leases, the state requires at least a 30-day written notice before the new rent takes effect.
- If there is a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be raised until the lease term ends unless the lease itself allows otherwise.
No Limit on Amount of Increase
- Unlike states with rent control, New Hampshire does not limit the amount a landlord can increase rent.
- Rent hikes are essentially offers for a new lease agreement that the tenant can accept or reject.
- However, rent increases cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory; they must comply with the Fair Housing Act and anti-discrimination laws.
Tenant Rights and Protections
- Tenants can negotiate or refuse rent increases—they are not obligated to accept an increase without agreement.
- The law protects tenants from retaliatory rent hikes, such as those made in response to complaints or requests for repairs.
- Tenants should request and keep documentation of all written notices and any lease agreements outlining rent terms.
- If a tenant feels a rent increase is unfair or violates their rights, they can seek advice or intervention through legal aid organizations or fair housing agencies.
Municipal Rent Controls
- Some cities in New Hampshire, such as Lebanon and Hanover, may have local rent control ordinances that limit annual rent increases.
- Tenants should check for any local regulations applicable to their city or town which might offer additional protection beyond state law.
HUD and Income-Based Units
- For tenants in subsidized housing using federal programs like HOME or Housing Trust Fund, rent increases must be approved in advance and tenants must receive at least 30 days’ notice.
- Income and rent limits published annually by HUD (effective June 1, 2025) guide allowable rent increases in subsidized units.
Practical Tips for Tenants
- Always request rent increase notices in writing.
- Understand the terms of your lease before agreeing to changes.
- Document all communications with your landlord.
- Seek legal counsel if facing excessive or retaliatory rent hikes.
- Explore tenant assistance programs or mediation services if conflicts arise.
New Hampshire’s 2025 rent increase laws provide landlords with wide latitude to raise rents, as there is no state cap on increases. However, tenants retain rights to proper notice, non-discrimination, and lease protections. Awareness of these rules and proactive communication can help tenants manage rent changes effectively and avoid surprises.
Sources
(https://www.housingonline.com/2025/06/04/new-hampshire-housing-2025-home-and-housing-trust-fund-income-and-rent-limits-published/)
(https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-new-hampshire)
(https://www.hemlane.com/resources/new-hampshire-tenant-landlord-law/)
(https://innago.com/new-hampshire-landlord-tenant-laws/)
(https://courts-state-nh-us.libguides.com/c.php?g=896726&p=6450247)
