This bill amends current eviction laws by adding the expiration of a lease or tenancy as a valid ground for eviction, with specific procedural requirements. It introduces a new subparagraph to RSA 540:2, II, which states 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 and that the tenant must vacate. Additionally, landlords are required to file a possessory action within six months of the lease's expiration. The bill also clarifies that tenants retain defenses against retaliatory eviction and discrimination.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that a no-fault termination of tenancy, as defined in the new provisions, will not be classified as an eviction for rental applications and tenant screening reports. This means that such terminations will not negatively impact a tenant's rental history. The court handling these cases is required to document that the termination was not due to any fault of the tenant. The bill 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
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 540:2