Housing assistance in New Hampshire

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in New Hampshire

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in New Hampshire

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No more than one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. The landlord must give a signed receipt (unless paid by check) and tell the tenant to list any needed repairs in writing within 5 days of moving in.

RSA 540-A:6, I

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit (plus any interest due), with a written, itemized list of any damages, repairs, unpaid rent or charges deducted. A landlord who does not comply can owe twice the deposit, unless the tenant failed to give a new address.

RSA 540-A:7, 540-A:8

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

7 days' written eviction notice for nonpayment of rent after demand. The notice must state the reason specifically and tell the tenant of any right to avoid eviction by paying the arrears and liquidated damages under RSA 540:9.

RSA 540:3, II-IV; RSA 540:2, II(a)

Landlord entry notice

A landlord may not enter without the tenant's prior consent, except for emergency repairs or with a court order. Tenants may not unreasonably refuse access for repairs at a reasonable time after notice that is adequate under the circumstances. No fixed number of hours is set, except 48 hours' written notice to check for bed bugs from a neighboring unit.

RSA 540-A:3, IV-V-d

Rent increases and rent control

No statewide limit on rent increases. If a tenant refuses a rent increase that came with at least 30 days' written notice, that refusal counts as good cause for eviction.

RSA 540:2, IV

If the landlord won’t make repairs

No general repair-and-deduct right. A tenant can defend an eviction for nonpayment if the unit has code violations that substantially affect habitability, and the tenant gave written notice while current on rent and the landlord did not fix them within 14 days. The court may require withheld rent to be paid into court while the case is pending.

RSA 540:13-d

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve New Hampshire

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s New Hampshire resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. RSA 540-A:6 Security deposits: ProcedureNew Hampshire General Court
2. RSA 540-A:7 Return of Security DepositNew Hampshire General Court
3. RSA 540-A:8 RemediesNew Hampshire General Court
4. RSA 540:3 Eviction NoticeNew Hampshire General Court
5. RSA 540:2 Termination of TenancyNew Hampshire General Court
6. RSA 540-A:3 Certain Specific Acts ProhibitedNew Hampshire General Court
7. RSA 540:13-d Defenses to Violations of FitnessNew Hampshire General Court
8. Fuel Assistance ProgramNew Hampshire Department of Energy
9. New Hampshire Legal AssistanceNew Hampshire Legal Assistance
10. 211 NH211 NH
11. New Hampshire HousingNew Hampshire Housing
12. Manchester Housing and Redevelopment AuthorityManchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority
13. Concord Housing & RedevelopmentConcord Housing & Redevelopment