N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 354-A: § 354-A:8
Equal Housing Opportunity Without Discrimination a Civil Right.
Operative Text
The opportunity to obtain housing without discrimination because of age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability or national origin is hereby recognized and declared a civil right. In addition, no person shall be denied the benefit of the rights afforded by this section on account of that person's sexual orientation.
Under N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 354-A:8, New Hampshire formally recognizes that obtaining housing free from discrimination is a civil right. The provision covers a broad set of protected characteristics, including age, sex, gender identity, race, creed, color, marital status, familial status, disability, national origin, and sexual orientation. No person may be denied the housing-related protections this section provides on the basis of any of those characteristics.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section 354-A:8 means that property owners and managers operating in New Hampshire must treat all applicants and residents equally, without regard to characteristics such as race, disability, familial status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Compliant operators generally apply consistent screening criteria, use neutral language in listings, and ensure that policies do not have a disparate effect on any protected class. Maintaining documented, uniform practices helps demonstrate adherence to the civil-right standard this provision establishes.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 354-A:8 establishes that access to housing free from discrimination is a civil right in New Hampshire, covering characteristics such as disability, national origin, sexual orientation, and several others. Tenants who believe a landlord has violated this provision may have grounds to raise the violation as a defense in housing proceedings or to file a complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights, which administers the state's anti-discrimination law. Tenant-rights organizations can help explain what documentation may be relevant and what general options exist under this section.
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.
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