N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 356-C: § 356-C:9
Damages; Penalties.
Operative Text
I. An owner or his agent who violates any provision of this chapter shall be liable in a court of competent jurisdiction to any tenant injured by such violation in an amount equal to double the actual damages suffered; provided, however, if RSA 356-C:8 is violated, the owner or his agent shall be liable to such tenant in an amount equal to actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater. A tenant which prevails in any action brought under this section shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. II. An action commenced under paragraph I by any member of the tenant household shall bar any other action under said paragraph by any other member of the household. Any damages awarded to the tenant household shall be distributed to the members thereof in equal proportions or as the court, in its sole discretion, may otherwise determine. III. A payment in good faith in settlement of any claim or action arising under paragraph I to any member of the tenant household shall bar any other claim or action thereunder by any other member of the household.
New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 356-C:9 establishes a damages framework for tenants harmed by an owner's or agent's violation of Chapter 356-C. For most violations, a court may award double the tenant's actual damages; for violations of § 356-C:8 specifically, the award is the greater of actual damages or $1,000. A prevailing tenant household is also entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs, though only one action and one recovery may proceed per household—whether through litigation or a good-faith settlement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 356-C:9, property owners and their agents face significant financial exposure for any breach of Chapter 356-C, including the possibility of doubled damages and an obligation to cover the prevailing tenant's attorney's fees and costs. Compliant operators generally maintain thorough documentation of all transactions and communications with tenants, particularly those governed by § 356-C:8, where the minimum exposure is $1,000 even when actual damages are lower. Awareness that a single settlement or judgment resolves claims for the entire household can inform how operators approach dispute resolution.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
§ 356-C:9 gives tenants who are harmed by a landlord's or agent's violation of Chapter 356-C the right to seek double their actual damages in court, or at least $1,000 if the violation involves § 356-C:8. A tenant who wins such a case may also recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs, which can make legal representation more accessible. Because only one action per household is permitted and a good-faith settlement bars other household members from filing separately, tenants may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand how these rules apply to their household before proceeding.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 20, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation