What are the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a rental agreement?
In New Hampshire, the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a rental agreement depend on the terms of the agreement and the actions of the landlord. If the tenant fails to pay rent, violates the lease agreement, or causes damage to the property, the landlord may take action to evict the tenant. This usually involves filing a complaint with the state’s court of eviction. The court will then issue an order allowing the landlord to remove the tenant from the property. In addition to eviction, the landlord may file a lawsuit against the tenant to recover the financial losses suffered by the tenant’s breach of the rental agreement. Depending on the terms of the agreement, the landlord may also be able to assess the tenant additional fees related to the breach, including court fees, damages for loss of rent, or legal fees. The tenant may also face criminal penalties, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. A tenant who willfully damages the rental property or willfully fails to pay rent may be charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief, or criminal non-support—all of which can carry considerable penalties, including jail time and fines. In addition, the tenant may be required to make restitution to the landlord for any financial losses suffered due to the breach of the rental agreement. Overall, the legal consequences of a tenant breaking a rental agreement in New Hampshire can be severe, so it’s best to read and understand the terms of the agreement before signing it. If a tenant breaches the agreement, the landlord may evict the tenant and seek monetary compensation for the losses suffered. In extreme cases, the tenant may even face criminal charges.
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