Making a difference for the people of New Hampshire.

Fair Housing Laws Protect New Hampshire Residents
Federal and state Fair Housing laws promote equal housing opportunities

These laws make it illegal to treat a person differently in housing based on that person's:

Race
Color
National Origin
Disability
Sex
Religion
Familial Status ( Children)

In addition, New Hampshire law protects residents against housing discrimination based on an individual's age or marital status. As of January of 1998 sexual orientation is a protected category in the state of New Hampshire. To encourage open communities, Fair Housing laws prohibit certain practices. It is unlawful for housing owners, landlords, housing managers, realtors and others involved directly or indirectly in the rental or sale of housing or housing lots to discriminate in;

• The advertising of an available apartment, home or housing lot.

• The rental, sale, or negotiation for the rental or sale of housing.

• The provision of home financing or real estate brokerage services.

The Fair Housing Project (FHP) is a program of New Hampshire Legal Assistance, a statewide non-profit law firm providing legal services to low-income New Hampshire residents. The FHP's goal is to assist people who have experienced discrimination in housing.
To achieve this objective, the Project offers these services:

• Information, education in community outreach on Fair Housing issues.
  

• Referrals to appropriate sources of help, including the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
  

• Legal assistance to enforce Fair Housing laws, from investigation and testing to representation in administrative hearings and in court.

To help people statewide with fair housing questions and problems the Project operates a toll-free hotline- 1-800-921-1115. Manchester area residents can reach the Fair Housing Project at 669-4960.
If you believe you have been a victim of housing discrimination, call the Fair Housing Project weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss your situation in complete confidence.

You or your organization can assist the work of NHLA's Fair Housing Project by:

• Becoming a Fair Housing information provider.

• Participating as a Fair Housing tester.

• Promoting Fair Housing in your town or city.
  
  What type of Cases does (NHLA) handle?

  Housing Cases

  • Private landlord/tenant matters

  • Mortgage foreclosure

  • Property taxes

  • Section 8 or public housing

  • Mobile home park issues
    

  Public Benefits Cases

  • Food Stamps

  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) formerly AFDC, including problems with welfare to work, child care, medical care, and sanctions

  • Unemployment Compensation

  • Medicaid, Medicare

  • Local Welfare

  Disability Advocacy Project

  We also represent persons applying for federal and state disability benefits such as

  • Social Security

  • SSDI

  • SSI

  • APTD*

  *(Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled)

  Other Types of Cases

  • Consumer

  • Health

  • Bankruptcy to preserve your home

  Domestic Violence Advocacy Project

  • For victims of domestic violence

  Fair Housing Project

  • Housing discrimination issues
    (603) 669-4960 or 1-800-921-1115

   

  Senior Citizen Law Project/Advice Line

  • Issues affecting seniors (60+ yrs)

  • Medicaid/Medicare

  • Property taxes

  • Home health care

  • Nursing home

  • Other medical issues
    (603) 624-6000 or 1-888-353-9944
    

  Consumer Law Project for Seniors

  • Consumer issues affecting seniors

  • Debt issues

  • Debt collection and harassment

  • Bankruptcy

  • Home ownership issues
    (603) 624-6000 or 1-888-353-9944

  What does New Hampshire Legal Assistance do?

  
  

  NHLA attorneys and paralegals provide information to eligible clients and to community groups about legal rights. We interview clients to find out about their legal problems. All client information is discussed in complete confidence. We represent clients at administrative hearings and in court cases. Many of our cases are resolved through settlements approved by our clients. We also represent clients before the New Hampshire Legislature, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Employment Security, and the Public Utilities Commission. We assist senior citizens with individual legal problems and also focus attention on issues that affect all senior citizens. We ensure that low-income people can have a voice on some of the laws and regulations that are passed by drafting legislation and testifying at legislative committee hearings.

  
  

  How to contact us

  New Hampshire Legal Assistance has five Branch Law Offices located in different areas of the state.  Contact the one nearest you.

  MANCHESTER 1361 Elm Street, Suite 307 Manchester, NH 03101  668-2900 or 1-800-562-3174 Directions	LITTLETON  271 Main Street Littleton, NH 03561  444-8000 or 1-800-548-1886  Directions
  CLAREMONT 206 Moody Bldg., 24 Opera House Sq.  Claremont, NH 03743  542-8795 or 1-800-562-3994 Directions	PORTSMOUTH 154 High St., PO Box 778 Portsmouth, NH 03802  431-7411 or 1-800-334-3135 Directions
  NASHUA 21 East Pearl St. Suite 2  Nashua, NH 03060  598-3800 or 1-800-517-0577 Directions	SALEM 200 Main St. Salem, NH 03079

  Where else can I go for legal help?