Good Advice

New Hampshire has strict laws for both evictions and security deposits and the landlord must adhere to these laws or fact the consequences. If any of the paperwork for an eviction is done incorrectly the case can be dismissed, If the Landlord demands more money than what is owed in the Demand for Rent the case can be dismissed. If the Landlord attempts to include late fees in the Demand for Rent that is not allowed. There are numerous other defenses to an eviction case that we can assist you with. There is also a law RSA 540A that lists specific conduct the Landlord or Tenant cannot engage in. For example the Landlord cannot changes the locks with a Writ of Possession from the court. RSA 540A allows a tenant to obtain a court order if the Landlord engages in any prohibited conduct.

The laws regarding Security Deposits must also be strictly complied with. Not all Landlords are covered by this law based on what properties the Landlord owns. If the law does apply then there are many requirements the Landlord must follow including possible interest paid, requirement of return of the deposit within 30 days. The Landlord is NOT permitted to charge first month, last month, and a security deposit since any amount over one month is deemed a security deposit and a Landlord can only change one month rent as a security deposit. Please contact us if you have questions about security deposits