Thinking about buying a rental property in New Hampshire? Whether you're dreaming of a lakeside Airbnb or planning a long-term investment, short-term rentals (STRs) in NH come with rules, risks, and more than a few surprises. Before you dive in, let’s pull back the curtain.

What Is a Short-Term Rental (STR)?

A short-term rental is typically defined as a furnished property rented out for 30 days or less at a time. In New Hampshire, this often means Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation platforms.

Sounds simple, right? Not so fast.

STRs Are Legal – But Not Everywhere

There’s no statewide STR law in New Hampshire. Instead, each town sets its own rules—and they can change quickly.

Some towns (like Laconia and Conway) require permits or restrict STRs to certain zones. Others may prohibit them entirely. Enforcement varies, but fines for non-compliance can be steep.

HOAs and Condos Can Block You

Even if a town allows STRs, your homeowners’ as ...