N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 354-A: § 354-A:9
Definitions.
Operative Text
In this subdivision: I. "Aggrieved person" includes any person who: (a) Claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice; or (b) Believes that such person will be injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur. II. "Discriminatory housing practice" means an act that is unlawful under section 804, 805, 806, or 818 of the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. section 3601, et seq. III. "Family" includes a single individual. IV. "Familial status" means one or more individuals who have not attained the age of 18 years and who are domiciled with: (a) A parent or another person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or (b) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person. V. "Person" includes one or more individuals, corporations, partnerships, associations, labor organizations, legal representatives, mutual companies, joint-stock companies, trusts, unincorporated organizations, trustees, trustees in bankruptcy cases under Title 11 of the United States Code, receivers, and fiduciaries. VI. "Real property" includes buildings, structures, real estate, lands, tenements, leaseholds, interests in real estate cooperatives, condominiums, and hereditaments, corporeal and incorporeal, or any interest therein. VII. "Real estate transaction" includes the sale, exchange, rental or lease of real property. "Real estate transaction" also includes the brokering or appraising of residential real property and the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance: (a) For purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling; or (b) Secured by residential real estate. VIII. "Housing accommodation" includes any improved or unimproved real property, or part thereof, which is used or occupied, or is intended, arranged or designed to be used or occupied, as the home or residence of one or more individuals. IX. "Real estate broker or salesman" means a person, whether licensed or not, who, for or with the expectation of receiving a consideration, lists, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property, or who negotiates or attempts to negotiate any of these activities, or who holds himself or herself out as engaged in these. X. "Conciliation" means the attempted resolution of issues raised by a charge, or by the investigation of such charge, through informal negotiations involving the aggrieved party, the respondent, and the commission. XI. "Conciliation agreement" means a written agreement setting forth the resolution of the issues in conciliation.
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 354-A:9 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout New Hampshire's fair housing subdivision. It defines key terms such as 'aggrieved person,' 'discriminatory housing practice,' 'familial status,' and 'real estate transaction,' anchoring them to both state law and the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.). Notably, the definition of 'family' is broad enough to include a single individual, and 'familial status' specifically protects households where minors reside with a parent, legal guardian, or their designee. These definitions set the scope for who is protected, what conduct is regulated, and what types of property and transactions fall under the subdivision's reach.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under New Hampshire law should be familiar with the definitions established in § 354-A:9, as these terms govern the scope of the state's fair housing protections. The broad definition of 'real estate transaction' means that activities ranging from rentals and leases to financing arrangements can fall within the subdivision's coverage. Operators who understand that 'familial status' protects households with minors, and that 'person' encompasses a wide range of legal entities, are better positioned to apply consistent, compliant practices across their operations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 354-A:9 defines who qualifies as an 'aggrieved person' under New Hampshire's fair housing law, which includes anyone who believes they have been or are about to be harmed by a discriminatory housing practice. Tenants should be aware that 'housing accommodation' is defined broadly to cover a wide range of residential properties, and that 'familial status' protections extend to households where children under 18 live with a parent, guardian, or authorized designee. Those who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice may explore options such as filing a complaint with the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights or consulting a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies.
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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