Bill > HB309

This bill prohibits landlords from requiring tenants or prospective tenants to pay rent exclusively through electronic funds transfers (EFTs), which are digital payment methods that automatically move money from one bank account to another. Specifically, the bill amends existing New Hampshire law to mandate that landlords must provide at least one alternative non-electronic payment method for rent. This means that while landlords can still offer electronic payment options, they cannot make electronic transfers the only way tenants can pay rent. The bill modifies the state's existing statutes related to landlord-tenant practices, adding a new provision that ensures tenants have flexibility in how they pay their rent. The legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and has been assessed to have a minimal fiscal impact of less than $10,000 over the next few years. The purpose of the bill appears to be protecting tenants from being forced to use only digital payment methods, which may be challenging for individuals who prefer or only have access to traditional payment forms like checks or money orders.

Business and Industry, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0477&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB309