Congratulations! You’ve purchased your first home right in the heart of Manchester! What an exciting time to be a first-time homeowner. Unique to New Hampshire, there are certain laws and regulations you should follow in order to enjoy your home to the fullest. Whether its negotiating on the contents of your landscape or the best New Hampshire home warranty plan to choose for your new home on the river, follow along to these five homeowner laws that are crucial for your time as a New Hampshire homeowner.
1. Covenants and Easements- protecting the beauty of your home-state!
With its beautiful bodies of water and mountain views, the state of of New Hampshire is doing all that it can to preserve the natural beauty of this state. By enforcing covenants and easements, these natural attractions are protected from becoming prime development sites for commercial and residential development.
What is an easement you might ask? An easement is permanent prohibition on certain activities, such as commercial and residential development, on a parcel of land. The goal of a conservation easement is to do exactly that- conserve the land and beauty of a certain property from development.
2. Homestead Laws-protecting YOU and your NH property.
Everyone dreams of owning a home and your first home is a monumental step in one’s life. However, financial stressors occur, jobs come and go, and you’re left sweating out how you’re going to pay your mortgage next month. Luckily, the homestead protection laws in New Hampshire protect a homeowner and their primary residence when opting for bankruptcy protection, and allow one to declare part of their property a “homestead” making it off limits to creditors.
The state of New Hampshire allows up to $100,000 worth of property to be declared a homestead in the event you have to file for bankruptcy. Interestingly enough, this amount may be doubled for married couples. Exploring your options when owning a home or few homes is important ensure you’re not spreading yourself too thin
3. New Hampshire Adverse Possession Laws
As many could assume, trespassing is a no-go for most cities and states. Also known as “squatters rights,” adverse possession laws are brought up to discuss and settle property boundary disputes between neighbors or to provide legal protection to homeowners without documentary proof of ownership.
Simply stated, this allows individuals to inhabit legal title to your property after a span of 20 years that you have left, neglected, or abandoned the property. That’s why it is important to make sure you’re equipped to take on owning a property or home because without the right resources your property can easily become someone else’s if left no other option.
4. Land Litigation / Right of Use Laws
You’ve found a great piece of land you want to build your dream house on. What great news; time to start breaking ground! Wait just one moment and ensure that you’re not on someone’s existing property who failed to file proper paperwork and now their family members are there to collect their “righful” property.
Land litigation covers identifying whom the rightful heir to a property following the death of the original owner is. Unfortunately, these types of cases are handled in court in front of a judge, but if you cross check your information at hand you may be able to catch this before legal action is taken.
5. Property Line and Fence Laws
Part of the beauty of the state of New Hampshire is the significance of its seasons. Strong winters bring damaging winds, falling trees, and extensive fallen debris. The lush vegetation from your backyard isn’t as beautiful now spawned across your neighbor’s yard is it?
Thankfully, New Hampshire has outlined very detailed rules and guidelines for property lines and fences to help dissolve disputes between neighbors on any costs accrued during an occurrence like a snow storm.
Being a homeowner is no stroll by the river. Take your time, get familiar with the area, get to know the property you’re purchasing and its components, and seek advice. By referencing these five homeowner laws, you’ll be able to effectively evaluate your next home purchase and really outline your options more carefully than before.
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