City Watch
Short-term rental rules in Hampton, NH
How Hampton regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Rules here limit which homes may operate as short-term rentals, how many, where, or for how many nights a year.
- STR only permitted by-right (administrative Building Inspector approval) within the Short-Term Rental Overlay District (Attachment E map)
- Outside the overlay district, STR requires a discretionary Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment — not by-right
- Occupancy capped at 2 tenants/bedroom + 2 additional per dwelling
- NH towns cannot levy a local rooms tax; only state RSA 78-A Meals & Rooms Tax applies (not a municipal device)
Based on: Hampton Zoning Ordinance, Article XXI (Short-Term Rentals), §§ ecode360 45494485–45494489; amended 3/14/2023 and
Summary of the rule
Short-term rentals may be permitted by the Building Inspector in residential dwellings located within the Short-Term Rental Overlay District, which is depicted on the map labeled "Attachment E" in the Zoning Ordinance.
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 15, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring Hampton · system last checked Oct 25, 2026
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City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.