Yes, an oral lease, also known as a verbal agreement, is legally valid. In the absence of a written lease, you may have what is called a "tenancy at will," often referred to as a month-to-month rental agreement. This means that you have the right to occupy the rented property as long as you pay rent regularly and do not violate any legal provisions, such as damaging the apartment or engaging in illegal activities.
With an oral lease in NH, your rights as a tenant are protected under the law. You have the right to live in the apartment, and your landlord cannot simply evict you without following the proper legal procedures. If the landlord wishes to terminate the tenancy, they must adhere to the eviction rules established by New Hampshire law. This typically involves providing you with proper notice and affording you the opportunity for a hearing before a judge.
While a written lease can provide clarity and documentation of the terms and conditions of the rental agreement, an oral lease is legally binding and offers similar protections to both tenants and landlords, as long as all parties involved adhere to their respective obligations and rights under the law.