New laws going into effect
today: July 1, 2026
During its 2025 session, the New Hampshire Legislature passed several bills affecting the real estate industry. Those new laws officially take effect today.
Relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term
House Bill 60, Chpt. Law 263
This legislation makes the end of a lease term cause for an eviction under RSA 540:2. Previously, the end of the lease was not considered “good cause” to begin an eviction.
This provision only applies to a lease when the original term is 12 months or longer, or for a lease which has been renewed for a total period of 12 months or longer. Importantly, the landlord must provide the tenant with written notice at least 60 days in advance of the termination date of the lease term stating that the lease will not be renewed and that the tenant must vacate the rental property at the end of the lease term.
Permitting residential buildings in commercial zones
House Bill 631, Chpt. Law 201
Under this new law, municipalities must allow multifamily residential development on commercially zoned land, provided that adequate infrastructure, including roads, water, and sewage systems, are available or provided to support the development.
Municipalities can still restrict residential development in zones where industrial and manufacturing uses are permitted. A municipality may require all available ground floor space or a percentage to be dedicated to retail or similar uses.
The 2025 bill was further clarified by House Bill 1010 and House Bill 1588 in the 2026 session. Both bills are currently on the Governor's desk awaiting her signature. HB 1588 makes it clear that multifamily dwelling units are allowed as a matter of right, and municipalities cannot enforce additional requirements unless expressly authorized by RSA 674:16.
Prohibiting municipalities from denying building or occupancy permits for property adjacent to class VI roads under certain circumstances
Senate Bill 281, Chpt. Law 256
The intent behind the bill is to create greater opportunity for the construction of a dwelling on a Class VI road. Such construction is allowed, without planning board review, provided the property owner signs a liability waiver acknowledging that the:
- Municipality shall not maintain the highway nor provide any services to any lot accessible by the highway;
- Municipality shall not accept any responsibility for losses or damages caused by a lack of services; and
- Responsibility for such services falls solely on the applicant.
Also, prior to the issuance of a building permit, the owner must a) produce evidence that this waiver has been recorded in the county register of deeds, and b) prove the lot and any buildings thereon are insurable.
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For more information, contact New Hampshire Realtors CEO Bob Quinn: bob@nhar.com.
