This bill amends current eviction laws by adding the expiration of a lease or tenancy as a valid ground for eviction, contingent upon specific procedural requirements. It introduces a new subparagraph to RSA 540:2, II, which stipulates that for leases of 12 months or longer, or those renewed to total 12 months, landlords must provide tenants with written notice at least 60 days before the lease termination date, indicating that the lease will not be renewed. Additionally, landlords must file a possessory action within six months of the lease's expiration. The bill also clarifies that tenants retain defenses against retaliatory eviction and protections against discrimination.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that a "no fault termination of tenancy"—defined as any termination under the new provisions—will not be classified as an eviction for rental applications and tenant screening reports. The court handling such terminations is required to document that the eviction was not the tenant's fault. This provision aims to protect tenants' future rental opportunities while allowing landlords to conduct necessary due diligence on prospective tenants. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 540:2
As Amended by the Senate: 540:2
Version adopted by both bodies: 540:2