What is the security deposit limit in New Hampshire?

One month's rent. Under RSA 205-A:7, 'no owner or operator of a manufactured housing park shall require as a security or damage deposit an amount greater than one month's rent,' held in compliance with RSA 477:48. A park also can't charge extra for residents under 18 (RSA 205-A:2, VIII).

Mobile home park fees in New Hampshire

Q: Can a New Hampshire park charge an entrance fee?

Only a limited one. Under RSA 205-A:2, I, a park may not require an entrance or other fee 'in an amount greater than the equivalent of 3 months' rent for said space provided that in no event shall any fee of any kind be charged unless for services actually rendered.' This is general information, not advice about a specific charge — consider consulting a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.

Q: Is there a grace period for late rent in New Hampshire?

Yes. Under RSA 205-A:6, IV, 'no manufactured housing park owner or operator shall charge a late fee for any rental payment that is paid in full within 7 calendar days of the due date.'

New Hampshire's RSA Chapter 205-A tightly controls park fees: it caps the entrance fee, guarantees a late-fee grace period, limits the deposit, and bars several charges outright. The information below describes how the law generally works; anyone disputing a specific charge should consider consulting a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.

What the statute says

RSA 205-A:2, I bars requiring an entrance or other fee "in an amount greater than the equivalent of 3 months' rent for said space provided that in no event shall any fee of any kind be charged unless for services actually rendered." RSA 205-A:2, VIII bars rules that establish "an additional charge or increased rental payments ... for persons under the age of 18," and limits pet charges (RSA 205-A:2, VIII(c)). RSA 205-A:2, IX bars charging a tenant "for repair or maintenance to any underground system, such as oil tanks, or water, electrical or septic systems, for causes not due to the negligence of the tenant."

On late fees, RSA 205-A:6, IV provides that "no manufactured housing park owner or operator shall charge a late fee for any rental payment that is paid in full within 7 calendar days of the due date." The security deposit is capped by RSA 205-A:7 at "an amount greater than one month's rent," held under RSA 477:48. And a non-refundable application-processing fee is capped at $125 unless itemized (RSA 205-A:2, II(e)).

How it works in general

A New Hampshire park can charge an entrance fee only for actual services and never more than three months' rent; it can't charge a late fee if rent is paid within seven days; the security deposit can't exceed one month's rent; and an application-processing fee is capped at $125 unless itemized. The park also can't charge extra because a resident is under 18, can't impose pet charges except for actual services/expenses under proper rules, and can't make a tenant pay to repair underground oil, water, electrical, or septic systems unless the tenant's negligence caused the problem.

Common scenarios

General examples New Hampshire park residents commonly encounter:

A park bills a large move-in fee. It can't exceed three months' rent and must be for actual services (RSA 205-A:2, I).
A late fee is added the day after rent is due. None is allowed if rent is paid within 7 days (RSA 205-A:6, IV).
A park bills a resident for a broken underground water or septic line. That's barred unless the tenant's negligence caused it (RSA 205-A:2, IX).

Other authorities that may apply

Chapter 205-A governs park fees and the deposit (held under RSA 477:48); a violation can be an unfair trade practice (RSA 205-A:13-a), and the chapter cannot be waived (RSA 205-A:10). The written rental agreement supplies the disclosed charges. Federal law can apply in particular situations.