1. Premises
Landlord leases to Tenant the residential premises located at:
[[Full Property Address, Unit Number if applicable, City, New Hampshire, ZIP Code]] (the "Premises")
The Premises include:
- Parking: [[Assigned space(s) or "None"]]
- Storage: [[Description or "None"]]
- Appliances and furnishings: [[List or "As listed in attached Move-In/Move-Out Checklist"]]
The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence and for no other purpose without Landlord's prior written consent.
2. Term
Lease Type (select one):
- [ ] Fixed Term: Begins [[Start Date]] and ends [[End Date]].
- [ ] Month-to-Month: Begins [[Start Date]] and continues month-to-month until properly terminated.
If Tenant remains after the fixed term with Landlord's consent and without a new agreement, the tenancy converts to month-to-month on the same terms.
3. Rent
3.1 Monthly Rent: $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], payable in advance on the [[Due Day of Month, e.g. 1st]] day of each month, without deduction or offset.
3.2 Payment Method: [[Check payable to Landlord / electronic / other accepted methods]] delivered to [[Payment Address or Account Details]].
3.3 Proration: If the Lease begins on a day other than the first of the month, the first month's rent is prorated at $[[Prorated First Month Amount]].
3.4 Landlord shall not require payment by cash or money order only in violation of applicable law.
4. Late Charges and Returned Payments
4.1 Rent is late if not received within any applicable grace period required by New Hampshire law or this Lease.
4.2 Late Fee: Any late fee must be reasonable. New Hampshire does not impose a specific statutory cap on late fees; however, fees must reflect actual damages and comply with RSA 540-A and related consumer protection rules. Landlord will not impose punitive late fees.
4.3 A fee of $[[Returned Payment Fee]] applies to any returned or dishonored payment.
5. Security Deposit
5.1 Security Deposit Amount: $[[Security Deposit Amount]]
Under New Hampshire RSA 540-A:6 (as of 2026), the security deposit may not exceed one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater.
5.2 Permitted Uses: The deposit may be applied to unpaid rent, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning necessary to return the Premises to move-in condition.
5.3 Return Timeline: Within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, Landlord shall return the deposit or the remaining balance with an itemized statement of any deductions. Interest, if any accrued under law or agreement, shall be included.
5.4 Tenant may not apply the deposit as last month's rent unless agreed in writing. Landlord shall provide written notice of the bank or location where the deposit is held if required.
6. Utilities and Services
Tenant shall be responsible for payment of: [[List utilities Tenant pays, e.g., electricity, gas, water (if separately metered), internet, trash if applicable]]
Landlord shall be responsible for: [[List utilities Landlord pays]]
Tenant shall place all tenant-paid utilities in Tenant's name effective on the start date and shall maintain service throughout the tenancy.
7. Occupants and Guests
The Premises shall be occupied only by Tenant and the following additional authorized occupants: [[List names or "None"]].
A guest staying more than [[Guest Stay Limit, e.g. 14 consecutive days or 30 total days in a year]] without Landlord's prior written consent may be treated as an unauthorized occupant.
8. Use; Conduct; Quiet Enjoyment
Tenant shall use the Premises lawfully, shall not create a nuisance, disturb neighbors' quiet enjoyment, or conduct any illegal business. Tenant shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and any reasonable Rules attached as Exhibit B.
9. Pets; Assistance Animals
Pet policy: [[Pet Policy, e.g. "No pets without prior written consent; additional pet deposit or rent may apply"]].
No animal is permitted without Landlord's prior written consent except an assistance animal that must be permitted by law (including the Fair Housing Act and NH law). Tenant is responsible for any damage, noise, or injury caused by an animal.
10. Smoking
Smoking policy: [[Smoking Policy, e.g. "No smoking of any kind inside the Premises"]]. Tenant is responsible for any damage caused by smoking.
11. Maintenance - Landlord
Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition, comply with applicable building and housing codes (RSA 540-A and local codes), and keep structural elements, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating, and Landlord-provided appliances in good working order.
12. Maintenance - Tenant
Tenant shall keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and free of hazards; properly use all systems and appliances; replace filters, light bulbs, and batteries as needed; keep plumbing clear; and promptly report needed repairs. Tenant shall pay for repair of damage caused by Tenant's, occupants', or guests' misuse or neglect beyond ordinary wear and tear.
13. Repair Requests; Emergencies
Routine repair requests shall be made in writing to [[Repair Contact]]. For emergencies threatening life or property, Tenant shall use [[Emergency Contact/Procedure]] and notify Landlord immediately.
14. Alterations; Fixtures; Locks
Tenant shall not paint, alter, install fixtures, or change locks without Landlord's prior written consent. Tenant-installed improvements become Landlord's property unless otherwise agreed. Tenant shall provide Landlord a key if locks are changed with consent.
15. Landlord's Right of Entry
Landlord may enter to inspect, make repairs, supply services, or show the Premises with reasonable notice (typically at least 24 hours written notice except in emergencies) during reasonable hours, consistent with RSA 540-A and the lease terms. Emergency entry requires no notice.
16. Renter's Insurance; Waiver of Subrogation
Tenant shall maintain renter's insurance with personal liability coverage of at least $[[Renter's Insurance Minimum, e.g. 100000]] during the Term and provide proof on request. Each party waives subrogation to the extent of insurance proceeds.
17. Liability; Indemnity
Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or violation of law, Tenant assumes responsibility for, and shall indemnify Landlord against, claims arising from Tenant's use of the Premises or acts of Tenant's occupants and guests.
18. Assignment; Subletting
Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part without Landlord's prior written consent. Any permitted sublease shall be subject to all terms of this Lease.
19. Default; Remedies
Tenant is in default if Tenant fails to pay Rent when due or breaches any term and fails to cure within any period required by law (typically 7 or 14 days depending on the breach under RSA 540 and 540-A). On default, Landlord may serve appropriate notice and pursue all remedies available by law, including possession, unpaid rent, damages, and costs. Self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs) are prohibited.
20. Termination and Holdover
For fixed term, this Lease ends on the End Date unless renewed. For month-to-month, either party may terminate with at least 30 days written notice (or as required by RSA 540:2 and 540:3 for non-payment or other cause). If Tenant holds over without consent, Landlord may pursue eviction and holdover damages.
21. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for pre-1978 housing)
If the Premises were built before 1978, Landlord discloses known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards and provides the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" and any records. Tenant acknowledges receipt.
22. Other Required Disclosures
Landlord shall provide any other disclosures required by New Hampshire law, including but not limited to any applicable mold, radon, or bedbug information if known or required.
23. Governing Law
This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Hampshire. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of [[County]], New Hampshire.
24. Severability; Entire Agreement
If any provision is held unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force. This Lease constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior negotiations. No modification is binding unless in writing signed by both parties.
25. Attorney Fees
In any action to enforce rights under this Lease, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs as permitted by law.
26. Notices
All notices shall be in writing and delivered personally, by certified mail, or by other method permitted by law to the addresses above or such other address as a party may designate in writing.
27. Signatures
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease as of the date first written above.
Landlord:
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Date]]
Printed Name: [[Landlord Full Legal Name]]
Tenant:
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Date]]
Printed Name: [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
Additional Tenant (if any):
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Date]]
Printed Name: [[Additional Tenant Name]]
Exhibit A - Move-In/Move-Out Inventory & Condition Checklist
[Attach or reference detailed room-by-room checklist to be completed at move-in and move-out. Tenant and Landlord shall each retain a signed copy.]
Exhibit B - Rules and Regulations
[Attach any property-specific rules. Landlord may adopt reasonable additional rules on written notice to Tenant consistent with law.]
Template - not professional advice. Verify all figures, clauses, and required disclosures against current New Hampshire statutes (RSA Title LV, Chapters 540 and 540-A) and local ordinances. Effective as of June 2026. Consult licensed New Hampshire counsel for your specific situation. All user-supplied values appear as [[Merge Fields]].
Quick Reference - New Hampshire Key Figures (as of 2026)
| Item | Rule / Citation | Notes |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------|
| Security Deposit Cap | 1 mo rent or $100 (greater) - RSA 540-A:6 | Applies to most residential tenancies |
| Deposit Return | 30 days after end of tenancy | Itemized statement required for deductions |
| Entry Notice (non-emergency)| Reasonable notice, typically 24 hours | Written preferred |
| Late Fees | Must be reasonable; no specific statutory cap | Actual damages basis |
| Eviction (nonpay) | Per RSA 540 | Specific notice periods apply |
| Habitability | RSA 540-A and local codes | Implied warranty |
Sources: RSA 540-A:6, RSA 540-A:7, N.H. statutes as published by the State of New Hampshire (gencourt.state.nh.us). Verified June 2026.
