Mixed — read the details

Breaking a lease in New Hampshire

The mitigation question

Unsettled

Whether your landlord must try to re-rent is unclear in New Hampshire — reported, not settled law. Unsettled — no statute; no residential case on point (Wen v. Arlen's, Inc., 103 A.2d 86 (N.H. 1954) holds no duty in commercial tenancies). Do not assume the duty exists.

Your protected exits

Military. SCRA baseline (50 U.S.C. § 3955) PLUS state statute RSA 540:11-a: reserve/Guard member called to active duty, or active-duty member reassigned out of state, may terminate; notice of termination within 7 days of… Guide →
Domestic violence. Yes — RSA 540:11-b (enacted via HB 261, signed May 14, 2024; effective Jan. 1, 2025): victim of DV (RSA 173-B), sexual assault (RSA 632-A), or stalking (RSA 633:3-a) may terminate with written notice + verification: (a)… N.H. Rev. Stat. §540:11-b Guide →
Uninhabitable conditions. Reported (confirm with a licensed attorney): Yes — RSA 48-A:14 (minimum housing standards); RSA 540:13-d (fitness defenses); landlord harassment prohibited (RSA 540-A:2). Tenant termination procedure for uninhabitable conditions — exact cure timeline

Notice periods

Situation	Rule
Dv	written notice + verification; vacate within 30 days; rent owed through termination date
Habitability	Reported (confirm with a licensed attorney): written notice + reasonable time; timeline
Military	state: notice within 7 days of orders, per SCRA §305; SCRA: 30 days after next rent due date

Early-termination fees

Reported (confirm with a licensed attorney):

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Not legal advice. This page is general information about landlord-tenant law, not advice about your situation. Laws change and procedures vary by county. For advice about your lease, consult a licensed attorney in your state — many legal aid offices help renters free.