Housing (Renters)

HB 65 requires landlords in New Hampshire to offer tenants the option of having their rental payments reported to credit bureaus (consumer reporting agencies). Landlords must provide this written option at lease signing and annually thereafter, including details about the optional nature of reporting, fee limits ($10/month max), and a 6-month restriction if a tenant later opts out. The bill directly affects tenants (who can choose to improve credit scores) and landlords (who must facilitate the reporting process), while exempting small landlords owning 14 or fewer units. Key provisions include mandatory written elections, tenant control over reporting, and prohibitions against using unpaid fees as grounds for lease termination. The law takes effect January 1, 2026.

HB 1371 prohibits landlords from charging application fees to individuals applying for residential rental agreements. It requires landlords to accept standard identification (like government-issued ID, taxpayer ID, or social security number) for background checks instead of requiring a social security number or refusing applications without one. The bill applies only to residential rentals, excluding commercial properties. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.

HB 1375 prohibits landlords from charging more than one application fee per tenant within any 12-month period, regardless of how many rental units the tenant applies for or leases under the same landlord or agent. It specifically covers all fees related to processing rental applications, including background checks, credit checks, and administrative costs. This law directly affects tenants seeking rental housing and landlords managing applications. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment, ensuring tenants pay only one fee for multiple applications to the same landlord within a year.

HB 1143 requires landlords to fix significant mold problems in rental housing, directly affecting landlords (who must remediate) and tenants (who gain protection from unhealthy conditions). It defines "significant mold" as visible growth or detectable behind walls/carpet using professional tools, adding this as a violation of minimum housing standards. Municipal officers can now inspect properties, issue remediation orders, and pursue enforcement for such violations. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment, giving local authorities clear authority to address mold hazards.

HB 1553 limits landlords to charging no more than 1% of a unit’s monthly rent for pet-related fees, regardless of how many pets a tenant keeps. It bans nonrefundable pet fees entirely, affecting tenants with companion animals and landlords who previously charged such fees. Exceptions include service animals under disability law and charges for actual damage caused by a pet. Tenants can sue landlords who violate these rules and recover damages plus legal costs.

HB 1171 creates a 90-day grace period for renters who miss rent payments due to an unexpected interruption in their monthly Social Security benefits. The bill directly affects residential tenants in New Hampshire whose Social Security payments are halted unexpectedly, providing time to secure alternative housing or funding without facing immediate eviction. It amends state law to require landlords to grant this 90-day extension when rent is missed specifically because of disrupted Social Security payments. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.