Except under certain circumstances and subject to certain conditions, a landlord generally may not interrupt utilities provided to a residential tenant—such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, internet, telephone, cable television, security systems, and in some areas, trash collection—unless the interruption results from bona fide repairs, construction, or an emergency.

A landlord generally may not shut off utilities to a residential tenant because the tenant is late in paying for the utilities. Laws vary from state to state, and laws related to a landlord’s interruption of a residential tenant’s utility services are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In New Hampshire, landlords are prohibited from intentionally interrupting a tenant's utilities as a form of eviction or to force a tenant to vacate the premises. This includes utilities such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, internet, telephone, cable television, and security systems. According to New Hampshire RSA 540-A:3, any landlord who willfully causes the interruption of any utility service being supplied to the tenant, except for temporary interruptions for emergency repairs, is subject to penalties. This means that a landlord cannot shut off utilities due to a tenant's late payment for those services. If a landlord unlawfully interrupts a tenant's utilities, the tenant may seek legal remedies, which could include restoration of service, damages, and attorney's fees. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand their rights and obligations under New Hampshire law to avoid conflicts and legal issues related to utility services.