Resources for Renters

New Hampshire Housing administers the Housing Choice (formerly known as the Section 8) Voucher program. 

If you are here seeking emergency rental assistance or have legal questions, please read below:

  • If you do not have a voucher issued by New Hampshire Housing, please refer to the list of resources below and contact them directly to learn what options for assistance may be available to you.
  • If you have a Housing Choice Voucher issued by NH Housing, please contact your Rental Assistance Manger. Your Rental Assistance Manager will then notify you of your responsibilities and direct you to the appropriate resource(s) and any support we may be able to offer.   

There are many Housing Authorities in New Hampshire, which are all separate organizations. Contact your town to learn if you have a town Housing Authority, or go online to learn of other Housing Authorities and the programs they provide.

With approximately 9,000 applicants on NH Housing’s waitlist for the Housing Choice Voucher program, we have an estimated wait time of 6-8 years from date of application.  There is a preference page on the application and wait times may vary.  We encourage anyone struggling to pay rent and utilities to apply and indicate any preferences that apply to their household when asked about preferences on the application.  Learn more about how to apply.


I NEED HELP WITH:

EMERGENCY SHELTER / HOUSING

If you are in need of emergency shelter or housing:

Call 2-1-1 or visit 211NH.org to find information on shelters and other housing information.

Contact your local Community Action Program. Visit capnh.org for information.

Contact Town Welfare for your town. They may be obligated to provide you with support under specific guidelines. 

LEGAL QUESTIONS

If you have legal questions (including information about evictions) or about your legal rights as a tenant and/or landlord:

Contact New Hampshire Legal Aid at nhlegalaid.org/welcome-new-hampshire-legal-aid.

New Hampshire Housing does not provide legal advice.

EVICTION

If you are at risk of being evicted:

Call 2-1-1 or visit 211NH.org for information on shelters and other housing information.

Contact Town Welfare for your town. They may be obligated to provide you with support under specific guidelines.

RENT ASSISTANCE / MOVING COSTS / DEPOSITS

Help with First Month’s Rent, Back Rent, Emergency Rent, Moving Costs, & Security Deposits:

Call 2-1-1 or visit 211NH.org to determine any/all resources available for any immediate needs. 

Contact your town welfare department to be sure you are receiving any/all benefits that are available. 

Contact your local Community Action Program. Visit capnh.org for information.

New Hampshire Housing does not have emergency monies for rent or one-time costs like security deposits or costs related to moving.

OTHER RENTER RESOURCES

Emergency Broadband Benefit: The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.

RENTAL COUNSELING PUBLICATIONS

·         Fair Housing – Equal Opportunity For All

·         The Truth About Credit Repair

·         Housing Security Guarantee Program

Useful Resources

  • 2-1-1:  If you are at risk of foreclosure or are having difficulty paying your rent and utilities, call 2-1-1.
  • 603 Legal Aid: If you need assistance with an eviction, contact 603 Legal Aid, which provides free civil legal services to low-income people.
  • CAPNH.org:  Community Action Partnership (CAP) agencies offer housing, food, weatherization, child care, energy assistance and other services.
  • Emergency Broadband Benefit: The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service.
  • New Hampshire Judicial Branch: Information on eviction and eviction diversion.
  • Granite United Way: Landlord education and incentive program through CDFA and Granite United Way.