What should Hanover hosts know about strict 210-day owner-occupancy rule prohibits?

Strict 210-day owner-occupancy rule prohibits investment properties.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Hanover?

Zoning Board of Adjustment approval is a multi-week public process with notification to all neighbors.

What should Hanover hosts know about accessory dwelling units (adus) cannot?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as STRs per town ordinance.

What should Hanover hosts know about maximum of 90 days per?

Maximum of 90 days per year if the owner is not present on the property during the stay.

Hanover

Prohibited

STRs Allowed

New HampshireLast updated: February 10, 2026

Baseline Verification

100%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Feb 9, 2026

Summary

The Town of Hanover permits short-term rentals (STRs) as an accessory use to owner-occupied residential properties, requiring a special exception and biennial registration.

Restriction Level

🚫

Prohibited

Score: 100 (lenient)

Why this classification:

•Primary residence required
•Owner-occupied required
•Moderate night cap: 90 nights/year
•Limited to 1 property per owner
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required

In Plain English

To host an STR in Hanover, the property must be your primary residence and you must obtain a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Once approved, you must register the rental every two years with the town and adhere to occupancy and safety standards.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

90/year

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

4-8 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

•Hanover does NOT allow tenants to host STRs. Only property owners may operate short-term rentals.
•Hanover: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as STRs per town ordinance.
•Hanover: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Hanover allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Duplex, Townhouse, Condo.

Requirements(11)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Hanover: 1. Strict 210-day owner-occupancy rule prohibits investment properties. 2. Zoning Board of Adjustment approval is a multi-week public process with notification to all neighbors. 3. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as STRs per town ordinance. 4. Maximum of 90 days per year if the owner is not present on the property during the stay.

Application Process(8)

•Hanover STR permit - Step 2: Obtain Special Exception from ZBA. Submit a Special Exception application to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. This involves a public hearing and notification of abutters. Required documents: Site plan, Narrative of operation, Abutter list. Time: 4-6 weeks. Cost: 250.

Fees & Costs(1)

•Hanover charges a registration fee of $100 (biennial). Extended/additional fee: $250 (Initial Special Exception application fee (approximate, includes advertising/mailing costs)).

Taxes(1)

•New Hampshire has a state sales tax of 0.085% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Hanover: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.
•Hanover: Maximum of 90 days per year if the owner is not present on the property during the stay.
•Hanover limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Hanover enforces quiet hours: 11pm-7am.
•Hanover limits STRs to 90 nights per year. This applies to unhosted rentals.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Hanover requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in sleeping areas, Functioning interconnected smoke alarms, Posted emergency exit plan.

Penalties(2)

•Hanover: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Hanover enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $275 fine. Second offense: $550 fine. Third offense: Permit revocation. Daily fine: $275 per day. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(3)

•Hanover: If you are present during the guest's stay (hosted rental), night caps may not apply to you.
•Hanover exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Licensed Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels.
•Hanover: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other New Hampshire Markets

Franconia

New Hampshire

Moderate

Short-term rentals in Franconia are strictly regulated by an ordinance adopted in 2020. Hosts must obtain an annual permit from the town, pay a $250 fee, and ensure the property complies with specific safety and occupancy standards. There is no local tax, but hosts must register with the state for the 8.5% Meals and Rentals tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Nashua

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Nashua regulates short-term rentals through zoning ordinances that distinguish between accessory use (owner-occupied) and commercial use, requiring a license and fire safety compliance.

Permit requiredPrimary residence

0.1% total tax

Portsmouth

New Hampshire

Prohibited

The City of Portsmouth permits short-term rentals primarily in owner-occupied dwellings, subject to a 90-day annual cap for unhosted stays. New regulations adopted in 2024 require mandatory annual registration, life-safety inspections, and proof of primary residency.

Permit requiredNight limitsPrimary residence

Conway

New Hampshire

Moderate

The Town of Conway requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to obtain an annual permit and pass a life safety inspection. The town enforces strict occupancy limits based on bedroom count and requires proof of a New Hampshire Meals and Rentals Tax License.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Hanover

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(9)

Requirements(11)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(3)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Other New Hampshire Markets

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Hanover

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Hanover?

2Are there rental night limits in Hanover?

3What is the TOT tax rate in Hanover?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Hanover?

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