Are you a New Hampshire landlord? Want to navigate lease agreements with ease? Look no further!
This guide covers all the essential laws and regulations you need to know. From lead-based paint hazards to security deposits, we’ve got you covered.
Learn about disclosure requirements, deposit limits, and more.
Explore tenant screening, fair housing, and eviction notices.
By the end, you’ll be an informed and responsible landlord.
Let’s get started!
Lead-Based Paint and Other Disclosure Requirements
To comply with New Hampshire’s lead-based paint and disclosure requirements, landlords must include information about lead-based paint hazards in rental agreements for most properties built before 1978 and distribute an EPA-approved information pamphlet called Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.
This is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your tenants and complying with the law. When drafting your New Hampshire lease agreement, make sure to incorporate this information and provide the necessary pamphlet to your tenants.
By doing so, you aren’t only fulfilling your legal obligations but also protecting your tenants from potential health risks associated with lead-based paint. It’s important to include all these disclosures in your New Hampshire residential lease agreement, so be sure to do so.
Security Deposit Regulations
When managing a rental property in New Hampshire, it’s important to understand the state’s security deposit regulations.
In New Hampshire, landlords are required to deliver a signed receipt of the security deposit, specifying where the deposit or bond will be held. However, a receipt isn’t necessary when the tenant writes a personal check, bank check, or check issued by a government/nonprofit agency for the security deposit.
The deposit limit in New Hampshire is one month’s rent or $100, whichever is greater. Landlords are also required to pay interest on security deposits at a rate equal to the rate paid on regular savings accounts in the New Hampshire bank, savings and loan association, or credit union.
Additionally, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days and keep it in a separate bank account, unmingled with personal funds.
Move-In Checklist Requirements
Before allowing a tenant to move in, landlords in New Hampshire must provide them with a detailed list of any repairs or corrections needed in the rental unit within five days of occupancy. This move-in checklist is an essential step to ensure that both parties are aware of the current condition of the property.
The checklist should include any existing damages, such as broken appliances, damaged walls, or plumbing issues. By providing this list, landlords can protect themselves from potential disputes regarding the condition of the rental unit at the end of the tenancy.
It’s important for tenants to thoroughly review the checklist and document any additional damages not mentioned. This will help establish a clear baseline for the property’s condition and avoid any misunderstandings in the future.
Rent and Fees Guidelines
When setting up a New Hampshire rental lease agreement, landlords must adhere to specific guidelines regarding rent and fees.
In New Hampshire, there’s no specified statute for the rent due date, allowing landlords to set their own rental due dates.
Application fees are also not regulated, giving landlords the freedom to charge an application fee if they choose to do so.
Furthermore, there’s no statewide rent control in New Hampshire, meaning landlords have the flexibility to increase the rent as they see fit and set the average rent increase per year.
Late fees are also not limited by statute, with the standard rent late fee being around 5% of the monthly rent.
However, it’s important to note that New Hampshire doesn’t mandate a grace period for tenants.
Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections
To ensure fair housing practices and comply with federal laws, landlords in New Hampshire must follow specific guidelines for tenant screening and fair housing protections.
Under federal law, landlords are prohibited from discriminating against potential tenants based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, familial status, disability, gender identity, and marital status. This means that landlords can’t deny someone a rental unit or treat them differently based on these protected characteristics.
However, landlords can still conduct tenant screenings, including credit and criminal background checks, as long as they follow the recommendations of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for fair use.
It’s important for landlords to be aware of these guidelines and ensure that their tenant screening process is fair and unbiased.
Conclusion
So there you have it, as a landlord in New Hampshire, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations surrounding lease agreements.
From lead-based paint hazards to security deposit requirements, understanding your obligations is essential.
By following the guidelines for disclosure, security deposits, move-in checklists, and tenant screening, you can ensure a smooth and legally compliant rental process.
By being a knowledgeable and responsible landlord, you can create a positive and hassle-free experience for both yourself and your tenants.