Fair Housing in New Hampshire

Everyone needs a safe and affordable place to live. If you cannot find housing, feel treated unfairly, or do not know your rights, you are not alone.

The Fair Housing Advisory Council is an independent group. We work to make sure everyone in New Hampshire has a fair chance at housing. While we do not take complaints or give legal support, we connect you to trusted resources and groups that can help you. We also share information about housing rights and speak up for the community.

If you feel you are being treated unfairly in your housing, help is available.

Know Your Rights. Find Support.

Your Questions, Answered

What is fair housing?

1

Fair housing means you have the right to live where you choose without unfair treatment. This is true for people who want to rent an apartment and people who want to buy a house. Laws protect people from unfair treatment because of Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Family Status (such as having children), Disability, Age, Marital Status, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity.

Learn more at: National Fair Housing Alliance

What does housing discrimination look like?

2

Housing discrimination may include:

  • Not renting or selling to you

  • Saying a home is not open when it is

  • Giving you different rules or higher fees

  • Saying no to fair changes (accommodations) for a disability

  • Saying no because you use a housing voucher

  • Harassing you because of something about you that is protected (see the list above)

I’m having trouble paying rent or finding affordable housing. Where can I get help?

3

You can get help from:

What if I need housing changes (accommodations) because of a disability?

4

If you have a disability, you can ask for changes (accommodations) to help you live there.
These changes can be to the rules or to the building. For example:

  • Letting you have a service or support animal

  • Giving you a parking space you can use

  • Changing rules that make it hard for you to live there

A housing provider must have a good reason to say no to a fair request.

Learn more at: Disability Rights Center - NH

My English is limited. Do housing providers have to help?

5

Housing providers receiving federal funding must take reasonable steps to provide access for people with limited English proficiency. This can include translation of important documents or interpretation services. Community organizations may also be able to assist.

Housing providers that get federal funding must take steps to help people who do not speak English well. This may include:

  • Translating important papers

  • Providing an interpreter

Community groups may also be able to help.

Still have questions?

Contact us