Resources for Local Housing Standards, Inspections & Enforcement
Your indoor and outdoor environments can have a significant impact on your health - especially for people who have allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions. You can learn more about healthy homes at the links below.
This avenue is supported by both state laws and local health codes. The system usually includes at least three responsible parties who need to work cooperatively to identify and solve housing problems. Remember, it often takes a team approach.
Where do you start?
This image shows the triad of responsibility for managing rental housing concerns. Each person has rights and responsibilities to fulfill if a problem is to be correctly identified and resolved. For example, a tenant is responsible to document and report their concerns, a landlord will be responsible to respond and try to resolve the concerns, and a health inspector is responsible to assess and enforce any existing state or local housing standards.
Tenants and Homeowners
Tenants should document any housing problems in writing and take photos if needed to help others understand your situation. Make sure you contact your landlord as soon as you notice a water leak, plumbing issue, holes in the walls or ceilings, pests like insects or rodents, drinking water issues, or unsafe rails and stairs. Always contact your landlord first before contacting local or state officials so they have a chance to resolve the issue.
Indoor Air Quality
The EPA provides valuable information on protecting or improving air quality in your home, as well as adapting to climate change and emergency situations.
Tenant Rights & Responsibilities
Explore specific rights, laws and protections for tenants in New Hampshire, including fair housing laws, legal aid, and more.
Housing Health & Safety
Questions about health and safety in your home? The first step is to contact your landlord to discuss housing health and safety.
Landlords should be aware of the housing laws and try to resolve any environmental hazard or health issues as resources allow. Property managers and owners have a financial incentive to keep their property healthy and safe, so will usually work with tenants to address the problem as soon as they can.
Landlords/Property Owners
NH Housing Standards
View the minimum standards required for rent or lease of a residential dwelling in New Hampshire as defined by RSA 540-A:1.
Landlord and Tenant Rights
Review landlord and tenant rights per the New Hampshire Department of Justice, including requirements for security deposits, evictions and more.
Housing Needs
Not sure where to start? Contact your tenant to review their housing needs.
(i.e. Local Town Health Officer)
Health officers should gather information from all parties first via phone or email, and then decide if an inspection is needed. A guide to housing inspections is available in the health officer manual.
Health Inspector
NH Health Officers
Learn more about the role of health officers and what they can do in New Hampshire.
Kearsarge-Sunapee Area
Contact a local Kearsarge-Sunapee Area Local Health Officer for assistance.
Local Next Steps
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