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For New Hampshire residents seeking rent relief, understanding the current support landscape is the first step toward housing stability. While the widely known New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP) is now closed, a durable network of state and local assistance remains available. This system includes legally mandated municipal aid, regional non-profit services, and long-term housing subsidies for tenants facing financial hardship.
With the closure of the centralized NHERAP program, assistance is now accessed through various local and regional channels. This network is designed to address different levels of need, from immediate eviction prevention to long-term affordable housing solutions.
The primary avenues for support are:
Navigating these different entry points can seem complex, but each serves a specific function in the state's housing safety net.
When facing a housing crisis, such as an inability to pay rent or receiving an eviction notice, several organizations can provide immediate help. A highly effective strategy is to contact both your local town welfare office and your regional Community Action Program simultaneously. Town welfare operates under a legal mandate to provide assistance, while CAP agencies may have different funding sources; applying to both can maximize the speed and amount of aid received.
Your First Call: Town and City Welfare Offices
Under New Hampshire state law (RSA 165), every town and city has a legal duty to provide emergency assistance to residents who are poor and unable to support themselves. This general assistance includes help with basic needs like rent. To apply, contact the welfare or human services department for the specific town or city where you reside.
Community Action Programs (CAPs): Your Regional Partner
The Community Action Partnership of New Hampshire (CAPNH) is a network of five regional non-profit agencies serving every county. These agencies are hubs for support services, including emergency rent assistance to prevent eviction. CAPs also administer other critical aid programs, like Fuel and Electric Assistance, which can free up money in your budget to cover rent. Find your local agency at https://www.capnh.org/.
2-1-1 New Hampshire: Your Central Information Hub
If you are unsure where to begin, calling 2-1-1 is an excellent starting point. This free, confidential, 24/7 referral service connects callers with specialists who provide information on hundreds of health and human services. They can direct you to the correct town welfare office, CAP agency, or legal aid resource for your circumstances. Dial 2-1-1 from any New Hampshire phone or call 1-866-444-4211.
Receiving an eviction notice is the beginning of a legal process, not the end. In New Hampshire, a landlord cannot simply lock you out; they must follow a strict legal procedure. Understanding this process can provide you with the time needed to seek financial help or secure new housing.
The New Hampshire Eviction Process Explained
A landlord must get a judge's permission before you are required to leave. The lawful process involves several distinct steps.
Your Most Powerful Resource: 603 Legal Aid
If you receive any type of eviction notice, contact 603 Legal Aid immediately. 603 Legal Aid provides free legal advice, information, and representation to low-income New Hampshire residents facing eviction. Their attorneys can help you understand your rights, determine if you have a legal defense, and represent you in court. You can apply for help online or call them at 1-800-639-5290.
For households needing ongoing help to afford rent, the primary resource is the federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8. This program provides a long-term subsidy to make rent affordable.
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8)
The HCV program is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It helps very low-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities afford safe housing in the private market. With a voucher, a household generally pays about 30% of its adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities, and the housing authority pays the difference to the landlord.
In New Hampshire, the program is administered by the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) and several local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). You can and should apply to any and all housing authorities for which you are eligible.
Applying for a Voucher and Navigating the Waitlist
The demand for Housing Choice Vouchers in New Hampshire far exceeds the available supply. Consequently, the statewide waitlist administered by NHHFA can be seven to nine years from the date of application. Local housing authority waitlists may vary.
Despite the long wait, it is crucial to apply as soon as possible to secure a place on the list. Applications can be completed online through the NHHFA applicant portal or by requesting a paper application. While on the waitlist, you must report any changes to your income, address, or family composition to maintain your eligibility.
Finding Affordable and Subsidized Apartments
While waiting for a voucher, you can also seek housing in properties with project-based subsidies. Unlike a voucher tied to a tenant, this subsidy is tied to a specific apartment. NHHFA maintains a searchable "Directory of Assisted Housing" that lists these properties. NHHFA also partners with
https://www.affordablehousing.com/ to provide listings of available affordable units.
Rent relief can also come from programs that reduce other major household expenses, freeing up income to be used for housing.
Assistance with Utility and Home Heating Bills
The New Hampshire Department of Energy and regional CAP agencies administer two key programs to help with energy costs.
Eligibility is based on your gross household income and family size, with a threshold currently set at 60% of the State Median Income. You can apply for both programs through your local CAP agency.
Specialized Support Resources
Some residents may be eligible for specialized housing programs. HUD funds supportive housing for the elderly and for persons with disabilities. The NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) also offers various financial assistance programs. For referrals, contact 2-1-1 NH or visit the NH Care Path website at https://www.nhcarepath.dhhs.nh.gov/.
| Organization | Primary Service | Phone Number(s) | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-1-1 New Hampshire | Statewide resource and referral hotline for all needs. | Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-444-4211 | https://www.211nh.org/ |
| Your Local Town/City Welfare Office | Legally required emergency assistance for basic needs, including rent. | Contact your local town/city hall. | Varies by municipality. |
| Community Action Partnership of NH (CAPNH) | Regional hubs for emergency rent/utility aid and other support. | Find your local agency via their website. | https://www.capnh.org/ |
| 603 Legal Aid | Free legal advice and representation for tenants facing eviction. | 1-800-639-5290 or 603-224-3333 | https://www.603legalaid.org/ |
| New Hampshire Housing (NHHFA) | Statewide administrator of the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program. | 603-472-8623 or 1-800-439-7247 | https://www.nhhfa.org/ |
Generally, no. Emergency New Hampshire rent relief from Community Action Programs or town welfare is typically a grant, not a loan. This financial aid is meant to resolve a crisis and does not need to be repaid, helping you regain stability without taking on new debt.
The timeline varies. Town welfare offices may offer a decision within days, while non-profit CAP agencies might take a few weeks, depending on their application volume and funding. It's crucial to apply for New Hampshire rent relief as soon as you know you'll have trouble paying.
This can be challenging, as most programs require a formal lease to show you're responsible for the rent. If you're a subtenant or in an informal living situation, you should still contact your local CAP agency to explain your circumstances and see what options for rent relief might be available.
Eligibility varies by the funding source. Many local and non-profit funds do not require information on immigration status. It's best to speak confidentially with a case manager at a Community Action Program to understand your specific eligibility for different types of New Hampshire rent relief.
If the aid received is a partial payment, you must talk to your landlord immediately to set up a payment plan for the rest. You can also call 2-1-1 or contact other local charities to see if you can combine assistance from multiple sources to cover your full rent debt.
Yes, residents of these cities can contact their local welfare offices and the regional CAP agency, Southern New Hampshire Services (SNHS). These agencies manage the primary emergency rent relief funds specifically for residents within those cities and their surrounding towns.
Application methods differ. Some Community Action Programs may have online portals or downloadable forms, but most town welfare offices require an in-person or phone interview to apply for New Hampshire rent relief. It's best to check the specific agency's website or call them first for instructions.
No, receiving emergency New Hampshire rent relief should not negatively affect your eligibility for other benefits like SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. This type of crisis help is generally not counted as income when determining your eligibility for other aid programs.
Applying for aid does not automatically stop an eviction. However, showing your landlord proof of a pending rent relief application may encourage them to pause the legal process. If you pay the full amount owed before the final court order, the eviction for non-payment must be stopped.
New Hampshire's Community Action Programs are a great resource. Besides providing emergency rent relief, their case managers can often connect you with free financial counseling, budgeting workshops, and other programs designed to help you build long-term financial stability.
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