Landlord to Pay $1,000.00 Per Day in Damages

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has held that a landlord who interfered with a Tenant's access to the rented premises was subject to a $1,000.00 per day damage provision under RSA 540-A.  In the case of Simpson v. Young, the Court determined that the landlord had interfered with the tenant's access to the premises for 34 days, and, therefore, may be entitled to $34,000.00 in damages. 

The law cited by the Court states, in part, "Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a second violation."  Because RSA 540-A violations incorporate the remedies in RSA 358-A, the Consumer Protection Act, the Court used the $1,000.00 damage amount established in RSA 358-A:10. 

Both landlords and tenants should be familiar with these NH laws.  Clearly, there are substantial possible consequences which should be carefully considered before landlords or tenants take certain actions related to the tenancy.