Manchester, NH Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum heat, daytime
- 68°F
- Minimum heat, nighttime
- 62°F
- Code chapter
- Ch. 150, Housing Code
- Enforcing agency
- Planning & Community Development Dept.
- First-offense fine
- $50 (within 7 days)
Summary
Manchester's Housing Code requires landlords to heat every habitable room to at least 68°F by day and 62°F at night, backed by inspections and citations.
Every dwelling and dwelling unit shall have heat equipment and appurtenances which are properly installed, and are maintained in safe and good working condition and are capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments located therein to a temperature of at least 70° F. at 48 inches above floor level under ordinary winter conditions. When the landlord has agreed to provide heat, every room shall be maintained at a minimum of 68° F. in the daytime and 62° F. at night, or whatever the Federal Energy Commission requires.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 150, the city's Housing Code, sets minimum habitability standards for every dwelling and dwelling unit in Manchester. Heating equipment must safely maintain at least 70°F at 48 inches above the floor under ordinary winter conditions, and where the landlord has agreed to provide heat, every room must stay at a minimum of 68°F in the daytime and 62°F at night. The same chapter separately mandates working hot water at 130°F, sound plumbing, adequate electrical outlets, smoke detection devices, and structurally sound exits. The Planning and Community Development Department's Housing Code Division inspects rental units and can order repairs or find a unit unfit for habitation.
Violations & Fines
Violations of § 150.085 are cited under the general Housing Code penalty schedule: $50 for a first offense (paid within 7 days, $100 after), rising to $200/$400 for a third offense, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature must a Manchester landlord maintain?
Who enforces Manchester's rental heat rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle repairs & habitability.