New Hampshire state has various laws regarding the use of rental applications. If your document is not compliant with NH law, you may get sued by the applicant and face legal consequences.
Application Fee
There is no limit in terms of what application fee can be charged by New Hampshire landlords. Furthermore, the application fee is non-refundable regardless of its amount.
Security Deposit
Landlords cannot charge more than 1 months’ rent or $100 (whichever is greater) if they are leasing an apartment under New Hampshire law (RSA 540-A:6).
Housing Discrimination Law
There are no set laws in New Hampshire that specifically limit housing discrimination. However, all states must adhere to the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA is a federal law that prevents landlords from discriminating against tenants based on their:
- Race
- Nationality
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial status
- Disability
- Criminal history
Notice of Eligibility
You must disclose the screening criteria used during the application process, as well as anything that could lead to a refusal. To make sure individuals understand this in advance of the application, they must provide a signature of acknowledgment on the application.
Consent Credit Check
Within NH, federal law is in effect that requires potential renters to provide written consent for a credit history check during the application process. This is known as the Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).