LANDLORD GUIDE ยท NEW HAMPSHIRE
Reviewed November 13, 2026
For an existing private residential tenancy. Fixed-term changes, assisted housing, mobile-home spaces and required local forms need a separate review. This guide explains selected rules; it is not a coverage determination or legal advice for a particular property.
State the amount and date at least 30 days ahead
New Hampshire RSA 540:2(IV) addresses a tenant's refusal to accept an increase and requires written notice of the increase amount and its effective date at least 30 days before that date. Do not send only a percentage or an undated statement that rent will rise soon. Follow a longer lease notice requirement.
First determine whether a fixed lease still controls the rent. A statute about notice and grounds in a possession proceeding is not authority to disregard the existing contract. This tool is for a continuing monthly tenancy and cannot decide whether a disputed increase is enforceable.
A refusal does not authorize self-help removal
The statute's reference to refusal of a properly noticed increase does not permit a lockout or an immediate demand to leave without the required process. Keep the rent proposal separate from any later termination or court papers. If the tenant disputes the change, review the amount, notice and agreement before making an enforcement decision.
Example: an incomplete notice
A letter says 'rent increases by 5% next month' but omits the actual new total and exact effective date. Replace it with a clear notice and reassess the timeline rather than assuming the original vague letter began a valid notice period. For current rent of $1,600, a 5% proposal is $1,680, an $80 difference. State the first payment date as well as those figures.
Practical steps before serving
Compare the current agreement and rent ledger, confirm the property is not subject to a separate housing-program rent process, and choose a permitted delivery method. Address the tenants accurately and keep a signed copy with delivery evidence. If the letter also changes utilities or another charge, document those terms properly. After service, retain any response and correct an error before the accounting system begins collecting the proposed difference.
Official sources and updates
Dated caps apply only to the periods stated. Check the official sources before preparing a later increase.