New Hampshire Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement (this "Agreement") is made on [[Agreement Date]] by and between [[Landlord Name]] ("Landlord") and [[Tenant Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant"). Landlord and Tenant agree as follows.

1. Definitions

"Premises" means the dwelling unit and any included furnishings, parking, storage, and appurtenances described in Section 2. "Rent" means all amounts payable by Tenant under this Agreement. "Lease Term" means the period described in Section 3. "Security Deposit" means the amount described in Section 6. Words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa. References to "RSA" are to the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated.

2. Premises; Parking; Storage; Furnishings

Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at:

[[Property Address]]
[[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]]

(the "Premises").

Assigned parking spaces: [[Parking Spaces or "None"]]. Storage areas: [[Storage Description or "None"]].

Furnishings, appliances, and fixtures included: [[List of Included Furnishings and Appliances or "None beyond standard"]].

Tenant acknowledges having examined the Premises (including all systems, appliances, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors) and accepts the Premises in its present condition except as noted on the attached Move-In/Move-Out Inventory & Condition Report (Exhibit A). The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence for Tenant and the additional occupants listed in Section 8.

3. Term; Possession

The Lease Term is [[Lease Term (e.g., "one (1) year" or "month-to-month")]], beginning on [[Lease Start Date]] and ending on [[Lease End Date]] (if fixed term).

If Landlord is unable to deliver possession on the start date, Rent shall abate until possession is delivered. If possession is delayed more than [[Possession Delay Maximum Days]] days, Tenant may terminate this Agreement and receive a full refund of any prepaid amounts.

If this Agreement creates a month-to-month tenancy or converts to month-to-month after the initial term, either party may terminate by giving at least thirty (30) days' written notice to the other party.

Holding over after expiration without Landlord's written consent shall be governed by Section 27.

4. Rent; Payment

Tenant shall pay monthly Rent in the amount of $[[Monthly Rent]], due and payable in advance on the [[Rent Due Day of Month (e.g. "1st")]] day of each calendar month, without demand, deduction, or offset, to Landlord at [[Rent Payment Address or Instructions]] or by [[Accepted Payment Methods (e.g., check, electronic funds transfer)]].

The first month's Rent shall be prorated on a thirty (30) day basis if the Term commences on a day other than the first of the month. Acceptance of any late or partial payment does not constitute a waiver of any default or of Landlord's rights under this Agreement or law.

5. Late Charges; Returned Payments

If Rent is not received by Landlord on or before the due date, a late charge of $[[Late Fee Amount or Percentage]] (or the maximum permitted by law, if lower) shall be due immediately. Landlord may also charge a fee of $[[Returned Check or NSF Fee]] for any check or payment returned unpaid. Late charges must be a reasonable estimate of actual costs; Tenant is responsible for all costs of collection to the extent permitted by law.

6. Security Deposit

Upon execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a Security Deposit in the amount of $[[Security Deposit Amount]].

Pursuant to RSA 540-A:6, the Security Deposit shall not exceed one (1) month's Rent (or $100, whichever is greater). The Security Deposit secures Tenant's faithful performance of the terms of this Agreement and may be applied by Landlord to remedy Tenant defaults in the payment of Rent, to repair damage to the Premises caused by Tenant's negligence, carelessness, or intentional misconduct beyond normal wear and tear, and to clean the Premises to return it to the condition at the commencement of the tenancy (reasonable wear and tear excepted).

Landlord shall return the Security Deposit, together with any accrued interest if required, or provide Tenant with a written itemized statement of any deductions together with payment of any balance, within thirty (30) days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession (RSA 540-A:7). Failure to comply may subject Landlord to liability of up to twice the deposit amount plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees under RSA 540-A:8.

Tenant may not apply the Security Deposit as the last month's Rent. Landlord shall hold the deposit in accordance with RSA 540-A:5 et seq.

7. Utilities and Services

Tenant shall be responsible for payment of the following utilities and services: [[Tenant Paid Utilities List (e.g., electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, cable)]].

Landlord shall be responsible for payment of: [[Landlord Paid Utilities List or "None"]].

Tenant shall have all tenant-paid utilities placed in Tenant's name as of the Lease Start Date and shall maintain continuous service. Landlord is not responsible for any interruption of utilities beyond Landlord's reasonable control.

8. Occupants; Guests; Assignment and Subletting

The Premises shall be occupied only by Tenant and the following additional permitted occupants: [[Names and Ages of Additional Occupants or "None"]].

No guest may stay more than [[Maximum Guest Stay Without Consent (e.g., 14 consecutive days or 30 total days in any calendar year)]] without Landlord's prior written consent. Unauthorized occupants or extended guests may be treated as a material breach.

Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without Landlord's prior written consent. Any attempted assignment or sublease without such consent shall be void and a default. Subletting, if permitted, remains subject to all terms of this Agreement and the master lease (if any).

9. Use of Premises; Quiet Enjoyment; Compliance with Law

Tenant shall use the Premises only as a private residence and for no other purpose. Tenant shall comply with all present and future laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations affecting the Premises. Tenant shall not permit any nuisance, waste, or activity that disturbs the quiet enjoyment of neighbors or other tenants.

Tenant shall not engage in or permit any illegal activity on or about the Premises.

10. Pets and Assistance Animals

Pets are permitted only as follows: [[Pet Policy (e.g., "No pets without prior written consent; additional pet rent or deposit may apply; see Exhibit B")]].

Assistance animals required by law (including service animals and emotional support animals with proper documentation) are permitted in accordance with applicable federal and state fair housing laws. Tenant is responsible for all damage, odors, waste, or injury caused by any animal.

11. Smoking; Vaping; Odors

Smoking, vaping, or use of tobacco, cannabis, or other substances that produce smoke or odor is: [[Smoking Policy (e.g., "Prohibited inside the Premises, including balconies and patios; permitted only in designated outdoor areas")]].

Tenant shall be responsible for all costs to remediate smoke or odor damage, including but not limited to cleaning, painting, and replacement of fixtures, carpets, and draperies.

12. Vehicles; Parking; Towing

Only operable, registered, and insured vehicles may be parked in assigned spaces. Inoperable vehicles, vehicles without current registration, or vehicles parked in unauthorized locations or blocking access may be towed at the vehicle owner's expense after any notice required by law or the Rules.

13. Maintenance and Repairs, Landlord's Obligations

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and shall comply with all applicable building, housing, and health codes. Landlord shall keep in good repair the structural components, roof, exterior, plumbing, heating, electrical, and any appliances provided by Landlord. Landlord shall maintain required smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in working order (RSA 153 and related statutes).

14. Maintenance and Repairs, Tenant's Obligations

Tenant shall, at all times:
1. Keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and safe.
2. Properly use and operate all electrical, plumbing, heating, appliances, and other systems.
3. Dispose of all rubbish, garbage, and waste in a clean and sanitary manner.
4. Keep all supplied fixtures clean and free of obstruction.
5. Replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, batteries in smoke/CO detectors, and similar consumables as needed.
6. Promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs or unsafe conditions.
7. Pay for repair or replacement of any damage to the Premises caused by Tenant, occupants, or guests beyond normal wear and tear.

15. Repair Requests and Emergencies

Tenant shall submit all non-emergency repair requests in writing to [[Landlord or Property Manager Contact for Repairs]].

For life-threatening emergencies or conditions creating immediate risk of serious harm, Tenant shall immediately contact [[Emergency Contact / 911 / Landlord Emergency Phone]] and follow up in writing.

Landlord shall respond to repair requests within a reasonable time under the circumstances.

16. Alterations; Improvements; Locks

Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, improvements, or installations (including painting, satellite dishes, or additional locks) without Landlord's prior written consent. Any approved alterations become the property of Landlord upon installation unless otherwise agreed in writing. Tenant shall not change or add locks without immediately providing Landlord a copy of all keys.

17. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter the Premises for the following purposes: to inspect, make repairs or improvements, supply agreed services, exhibit the Premises to prospective tenants, purchasers, lenders, or contractors, or as otherwise permitted by law.

Except in cases of emergency (including to protect life or property), Landlord shall provide Tenant with reasonable advance notice before entry. The generally accepted practice in New Hampshire is to provide at least twenty-four (24) hours' written notice for non-emergency entry during reasonable hours (RSA 540-A:3). Landlord shall enter at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner. Tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to Landlord's entry for lawful purposes.

18. Renter's Insurance

Tenant shall, throughout the Lease Term, maintain renter's insurance providing personal liability coverage of at least $[[Renter Insurance Minimum Liability (e.g., 100,000)]] per occurrence and coverage for Tenant's personal property. Tenant shall provide Landlord with proof of insurance upon request and shall name Landlord as an additional interest or as required. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or liability. Each party waives rights of subrogation against the other to the extent covered by insurance.

19. Liability; Indemnification

Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or willful misconduct or violation of law, Tenant assumes all risk of loss or damage to Tenant's property and shall indemnify, defend, and hold Landlord harmless from and against any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from Tenant's use or occupancy of the Premises or the acts or omissions of Tenant, occupants, or guests.

20. Default; Remedies

Tenant shall be in default if Tenant:
- Fails to pay Rent when due and fails to cure within any applicable notice period;
- Breaches any other term of this Agreement and fails to cure within any notice and cure period required by law or this Agreement; or
- Abandons or vacates the Premises.

Upon default, Landlord may pursue all remedies available under New Hampshire law, including service of appropriate notice under RSA Chapter 540 and commencement of eviction proceedings in the New Hampshire Circuit Court, District Division. Landlord shall not engage in self-help evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing property, or threats thereof). Remedies are cumulative.

21. Rules and Regulations

Tenant shall comply with Landlord's reasonable Rules and Regulations attached as Exhibit B (as may be amended from time to time on reasonable notice) and any applicable homeowners association, condominium, or community rules. Violation of Rules after notice may constitute a default.

22. Damage or Destruction (Casualty)

If the Premises is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty not caused by Tenant so as to render it uninhabitable, Rent shall abate proportionately. If the Premises cannot be restored within a reasonable time (generally [[Casualty Restoration Period (e.g., 60 days)]]), either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Landlord shall not be liable for any loss or inconvenience resulting from casualty.

23. Condemnation

If all or a substantial part of the Premises is taken by eminent domain or condemnation, this Agreement shall terminate as of the date possession is required, and Rent shall be adjusted accordingly. Any award shall belong to Landlord except as Tenant may be entitled to a separate award for moving expenses or leasehold improvements under applicable law.

24. Abandonment; Surrender

If Tenant abandons the Premises, Landlord may take immediate possession and dispose of any personal property left behind only in accordance with New Hampshire law after any required notice.

At the end of the tenancy, Tenant shall:
1. Remove all personal property and debris.
2. Return all keys, access devices, garage openers, and remotes.
3. Leave the Premises clean, sanitary, and in the same condition as at move-in, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
4. Provide Landlord with a written forwarding address.

25. Holdover

If Tenant remains in possession after the expiration or termination of this Agreement without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be a holdover tenant. Tenant shall pay use and occupancy charges at a rate of $[[Holdover Daily Rate or 150% of Monthly Rent pro-rated]] per day (or the maximum permitted by law) plus any damages sustained by Landlord. Landlord may pursue eviction and all other remedies.

26. Notices

All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given when personally delivered, or three (3) days after mailing by certified or registered mail, or one (1) business day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or upon confirmed electronic delivery if the parties have agreed in writing to electronic notice.

Notices to Tenant may be delivered to the Premises or the address Tenant provides. Notices to Landlord shall be sent to [[Landlord Notice Address]] or such other address as Landlord designates in writing.

27. Waiver; Severability; Entire Agreement

No waiver of any breach shall be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force. This Agreement, including all Exhibits and Addenda, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations and representations. It may be amended only by a writing signed by both parties. Electronic signatures are valid and binding.

28. Governing Law; Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire. Any legal action shall be brought in the courts of the county in which the Premises is located.

29. Attorneys' Fees

In any action or proceeding to enforce rights under this Agreement or arising from the tenancy, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs as permitted by law or court rule.

30. Joint and Several Liability

Each Tenant signing this Agreement is jointly and severally liable for all obligations of Tenant hereunder.

31. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and Other Protections

A Tenant who is a servicemember may have rights to terminate this Agreement under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3955) upon proper notice and documentation. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may have additional rights to early termination under New Hampshire law upon providing required documentation.

32. Disclosures and Required Notices

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal, 42 U.S.C. § 4852d). If the Premises was built before 1978: Landlord discloses known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards. Tenant acknowledges receipt of the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" and any known records or reports. A separate lead disclosure addendum is attached as Exhibit C if applicable.

Smoke Detectors. The Premises is equipped with smoke/fire warning devices as required by RSA 153:10-a and related statutes. Landlord is responsible for maintaining the devices in working order; Tenant shall not disable or remove them and shall immediately notify Landlord of any malfunction. Tenant acknowledges testing the devices upon move-in.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Where required by New Hampshire law (RSA 153:10-a or successor), the Premises is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors. Tenant acknowledges their location and proper function at move-in and shall not disable them.

Radon Gas. Landlord provides the New Hampshire radon disclosure information as required. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that may present health risks. Additional information is available from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services or EPA.

Other Disclosures. Landlord discloses the following known conditions or facts (if any): [[Specific Known Material Defects or "None"]]

Tenant acknowledges receipt of any required move-in checklist or repair notice.

33. Exhibits and Addenda

The following Exhibits and Addenda are attached and incorporated by reference:

• Exhibit A: Move-In/Move-Out Inventory & Condition Report
• Exhibit B: Rules and Regulations
• Exhibit C: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and Pamphlet (if pre-1978)
• Exhibit D: Additional Disclosures or Addenda: [[Additional Addenda or "None"]]

34. Signatures

LANDLORD

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _________

Printed Name: [[Landlord Name]]

Title (if applicable): [[Landlord Title or "Landlord"]]

TENANT(S)

By signing, each Tenant acknowledges having read, understood, and agreed to all terms of this Agreement, including the Exhibits.

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _________
Printed Name: [[Tenant Name(s)]]

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _________
Printed Name: [[Additional Tenant Name]]

GUARANTOR (if applicable)

The undersigned Guarantor unconditionally guarantees Tenant's full and timely performance of all obligations under this Agreement.

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _________
Printed Name: [[Guarantor Name]], -

*This is a sample template for use in New Hampshire. It is not legal advice. Statutory references are to RSA Chapter 540-A and related provisions current as of 2026-06. Security deposit rules are governed by RSA 540-A:5 through 540-A:8. Required detector rules are under RSA 153. Lead disclosure is federal. Local ordinances, condominium rules, or federal programs (e.g., Section 8) may impose additional requirements. Verify all provisions, calculations, and current statutes against official New Hampshire sources and consult qualified counsel before use. Invented values appear only in [[merge fields]].*

Quick Reference, Key New Hampshire Residential Tenancy Rules (for informational use with this template)

Use this template only after confirming facts and current law with primary sources.