Rent Control and Rent Stabilization in New Hampshire
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from primary statutes (U.S. Code, CFR, state compiled statutes) and official government agency guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Rent control and rent stabilization are laws that limit how much a landlord can increase your rent each year. There is no federal rent control law — these protections exist only at the state and local level, and the majority of states do not have them. In fact, over 30 states have passed laws that preempt (prohibit) local governments from enacting rent control.
Where rent control exists, it typically caps annual rent increases to a set percentage (often tied to inflation) and may provide additional protections against eviction. Oregon and California have statewide rent caps. A handful of cities — including New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. — have their own rent stabilization systems, some dating back decades.
When does it apply?
Rent control may protect you when:
- You live in a state or city with rent control or rent stabilization laws
- Your landlord is raising your rent by more than the legally allowed amount
- Your unit qualifies under the applicable law (many rent control laws exempt newer buildings, owner-occupied buildings, or single-family homes)
Where rent control exists (as of 2026):
- Statewide caps: Oregon (7% + CPI, applies to buildings 15+ years old), California (5% + CPI, max 10%, applies to buildings 15+ years old)
- Local rent control: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Washington D.C., and a few dozen other cities — mostly in California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland
- Most states: No rent control at all. Over 30 states have preemption laws that prohibit cities from enacting rent control. If you are in one of these states, your landlord can raise your rent by any amount with proper notice.
Common misconceptions:
- "Rent control means my rent can never go up" — Rent control limits increases, but does not freeze rent. Annual increases are typically 3-10% depending on the jurisdiction.
- "All apartments are covered" — Most rent control laws exempt newer construction, owner-occupied small buildings, and single-family homes. Coverage varies dramatically by city.
- "My landlord can't evict me under rent control" — Rent control often includes eviction protections ("just cause" eviction), but landlords can still evict for nonpayment, lease violations, or owner move-in in most jurisdictions.
What should you do?
Step 1: Determine whether your unit is covered by rent control. Check your city and state laws — not all units qualify. Contact your local housing department or tenant rights organization for help.
Step 2: If your landlord sends a rent increase notice, verify that the increase complies with the applicable cap. Calculate the maximum allowed increase based on the CPI or the fixed percentage set by your jurisdiction.
Step 3: If the increase is illegal, notify your landlord in writing that the increase exceeds the legal limit. Cite the specific law and state that you will continue paying the legally allowed rent.
Step 4: If your landlord insists on the illegal increase, file a complaint with your local rent board or housing department. Many cities have rent boards specifically to adjudicate these disputes.
Step 5: If you live in a state without rent control, your options are limited. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount with proper notice (typically 30-60 days). However, rent increases cannot be retaliatory (e.g., raised because you filed a complaint) or discriminatory.
What should you NOT do?
Don't assume you're covered. Rent control coverage depends on your city, the age of your building, the type of unit, and whether your landlord is exempt. Verify your status before challenging an increase.
Don't stop paying rent. If you believe a rent increase is illegal, continue paying the legal amount while you dispute the increase. Nonpayment can lead to eviction regardless of the rent control dispute.
Don't give up your rent-controlled unit lightly. In high-cost cities, rent-controlled apartments are extremely valuable. Once you leave, the landlord may be able to reset the rent to market rate ("vacancy decontrol").
Don't accept an illegal buyout without legal advice. Landlords sometimes offer cash to get rent-controlled tenants to leave. These offers may be far below what your tenancy is worth. Consult a tenant rights attorney before accepting.
How New Hampshire differs from federal law
New Hampshire does not have rent control and actively prohibits it:
- No rent control: New Hampshire has no statewide rent control law. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
- State preemption: New Hampshire effectively prevents municipalities from enacting local rent control ordinances. The state's "Live Free or Die" philosophy extends to housing market deregulation.
- Notice requirements: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. For leases with a fixed term, rent cannot be increased during the term unless the lease specifically allows it.
- Market-driven rents: Without rent control, New Hampshire rents are determined by market conditions. This has contributed to affordability challenges, particularly in the southern tier near the Massachusetts border.
- Subsidized housing: Tenants in federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) have rent increases governed by federal regulations, not market rates.
Additional Steps in New Hampshire
Review your lease terms carefully. For month-to-month tenancies, ensure you receive proper 30-day notice. Contact NH Legal Assistance at (603) 668-2900 for help with rent disputes. For subsidized housing issues, contact your local housing authority.
Relevant Law: RSA 540:2 (notice requirements), RSA 540-A:1 et seq. (landlord-tenant)
Common Questions
When does rent control and rent stabilization apply?
Rent control may protect you when:You live in a state or city with rent control or rent stabilization lawsYour landlord is raising your rent by more than the legally allowed amountYour unit qualifies under the applicable law (many rent control laws exempt newer buildings, owner-occupied buildings, or single-family homes)Where rent control exists (as of 2026):Statewide caps: Oregon (7% + CPI, applies to buildings 15+ years old), California (5% + CPI, max 10%, applies to buildings 15+ years old)Local rent control: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Washington...
What should I do about rent control and rent stabilization?
Step 1: Determine whether your unit is covered by rent control. Check your city and state laws — not all units qualify. Contact your local housing department or tenant rights organization for help.Step 2: If your landlord sends a rent increase notice, verify that the increase complies with the applicable cap. Calculate the maximum allowed increase based on the CPI or the fixed percentage set by your jurisdiction.Step 3: If the increase is illegal, notify your landlord in writing that the increase exceeds the legal limit. Cite the specific law and state that you will continue paying the legally...
What mistakes should I avoid with rent control and rent stabilization?
Don't assume you're covered. Rent control coverage depends on your city, the age of your building, the type of unit, and whether your landlord is exempt. Verify your status before challenging an increase.Don't stop paying rent. If you believe a rent increase is illegal, continue paying the legal amount while you dispute the increase. Nonpayment can lead to eviction regardless of the rent control dispute.Don't give up your rent-controlled unit lightly. In high-cost cities, rent-controlled apartments are extremely valuable. Once you leave, the landlord may be able to reset the rent to market rat...
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