New Hampshire’s rent increase laws in 2025 offer significant flexibility to landlords while providing some protections for tenants. Here’s what tenants should know about rent increases in the Granite State:
No Statewide Rent Control
New Hampshire does not have statewide rent control laws. This means that landlords can raise rent by any amount, as there is no legal limit or cap on rent increases. The absence of rent control gives property owners considerable freedom in setting rental prices.
Notice Requirements
While there’s no cap on increases, landlords must provide proper notice before implementing a rent hike:
- For standard rentals, landlords must give tenants at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
- For mobile homes, a longer 60-day written notice is required.
This notice period allows tenants time to decide whether to accept the new terms or seek alternative housing arrangements.
Lease Considerations
The timing of rent increases depends on the type of tenancy:
- For month-to-month tenancies, rent can be increased with proper notice at any time.
- For fixed-term leases, rent typically cannot be raised during the lease period unless specifically allowed in the lease agreement.
Having a written lease that specifies the rent amount for a set period (usually one year) is the best protection against unexpected increases.
Frequency of Increases
There are no restrictions on how often landlords can raise rent in New Hampshire, provided they give proper notice each time. However, increases cannot occur during a fixed lease term unless the lease allows it.
Protections Against Discrimination and Retaliation
While landlords have significant latitude in raising rents, there are important protections for tenants:
- Rent increases cannot be implemented in a discriminatory manner based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics.
- Landlords are prohibited from raising rent as retaliation against tenants who have exercised their legal rights, such as filing legitimate complaints about living conditions.
Mobile Home Parks
Special rules apply to rent increases in mobile home parks:
- 60 days’ notice is required instead of the standard 30 days.
- The notice must include a specific disclosure about the tenant’s right to request mediation if the increase is deemed arbitrary or unreasonable.
Tenant Options
When faced with a rent increase, tenants have several options:
- Accept the increase and continue the tenancy.
- Negotiate with the landlord for a lower increase or better terms.
- Decline the increase and move out, giving proper notice as required by the lease or law.
If a tenant believes the increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, they may have grounds to dispute it legally.
Best Practices for Tenants
To protect themselves from unexpected rent hikes, tenants should:
- Seek written leases that lock in rent for a specific period.
- Understand their lease terms regarding rent increases.
- Keep all communications with landlords in writing.
- Be aware of their rights regarding notice periods and non-discrimination.
While New Hampshire’s rent increase laws favor landlords, tenants are not without protections. By understanding their rights and the proper procedures landlords must follow, tenants can better navigate rent increases and make informed decisions about their housing situations.
As always, if faced with a potentially unlawful rent increase, tenants should consider seeking legal advice or contacting local housing authorities for assistance.
Sources:
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-new-hampshire
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/new-hampshire-eviction-process
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/new-hampshire-rental-lease-agreement-laws-regulations
- https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/new-hampshire-rent-increases
