Comparent
RestrictedCity

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hampton, NH

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted only in dwellings located within the Town’s Short-Term Rental Overlay District (and may be allowed outside the overlay only by Special Exception from the Zoning Board). Properties must hold and comply with a Certificate of Rental Occupancy; required safety measures include interconnected smoke and CO alarms, a posted emergency action plan, a portable fire extinguisher, trash/recycling instructions for renters, and prohibitions on outdoor wood burning. The ordinance limits maximum tenant occupancy and includes trash/parking and nuisance compliance requirements (Adopted March 2023).

How to Obtain a Permit

1) File the joint application form with the Hampton Building Department (request CRO). 2) Undergo on-site inspection(s) by the Building Department and the Fire Department to verify compliance with life-safety and ordinance standards. 3) If approved, a Certificate of Rental Occupancy will issue for five years and must be renewed via a new inspection for subsequent five-year terms (CROs are not transferable to new owners or locations).

Official Resources

Official Hampton STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Hampton, NH?
Short-term rentals are permitted only in dwellings located within the Town’s Short-Term Rental Overlay District (and may be allowed outside the overlay only by Special Exception from the Zoning Board). Properties must hold and comply with a Certificate of Rental Occupancy; required safety measures include interconnected smoke and CO alarms, a posted emergency action plan, a portable fire extinguisher, trash/recycling instructions for renters, and prohibitions on outdoor wood burning. The ordinance limits maximum tenant occupancy and includes trash/parking and nuisance compliance requirements (Adopted March 2023).
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Hampton?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hampton. 1) File the joint application form with the Hampton Building Department (request CRO). 2) Undergo on-site inspection(s) by the Building Department and the Fire Department to verify compliance with life-safety and ordinance standards. 3) If approved, a Certificate of Rental Occupancy will issue for five years and must be renewed via a new inspection for subsequent five-year terms (CROs are not transferable to new owners or locations).
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Hampton?
1) File the joint application form with the Hampton Building Department (request CRO). 2) Undergo on-site inspection(s) by the Building Department and the Fire Department to verify compliance with life-safety and ordinance standards. 3) If approved, a Certificate of Rental Occupancy will issue for five years and must be renewed via a new inspection for subsequent five-year terms (CROs are not transferable to new owners or locations).
Comparent

Looking for property managers in Hampton, NH?

Compare top-rated short-term rental managers on Comparent — read reviews, see pricing, and find the right fit.

View Property Managers

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction