The N.H. Board of Tax and Land Appeals (BTLA), an administrative board that is responsible for deciding appeals of denial of property tax abatements, has extended all deadlines for mediation to June 1, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A party is not required to file a request for a written extension. The BTLA sets a deadline for … Read the rest
NH Property Tax Payments Under Emergency Order 25
Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order 25 authorizes municipalities to “grant blanket abatements of the interest charged on all property taxes not paid after their assessment for the duration of the State of Emergency….” This power already exists under RSA 76:16 and RSA 29:12, although the emergency order simplifies the process for the county portion of taxes.
Some observations:
•A municipality … Read the rest
Evictions in the Time of COVID-19
There are two elements at play, restricting a landlord’s ability to evict a tenant at this time. The first are the governor’s Emergency Order #4 and #24. EO #4 prohibits any evictions to be started or enforced after March 17, 2020. EO #24 lightens the restrictions a little, by exempting proceedings that would be initiated because a tenant is causing … Read the rest
Construction Projects under NH Emergency Order 23
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, municipalities have limited their operations generally. This affects their ability to approve building permits and construction inspections within the normal timelines. Governor Sununu passed Emergency Order 23 to “keep New Hampshire construction projects, vital to the economy, active and progressing during these extraordinary times.” The order allows for a temporary modification of municipal and … Read the rest
Are Contracts Enforceable Due to COVID-19?
With New Hampshire Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #17 announcing closure of all “non-essential” businesses, many individuals and businesses confront contractual obligations they may not be able to fulfill. Some contracts attempt to address unforeseen circumstances with force majeure clauses, which is French for a “superior” or “irresistible” power. The term is used in the legal system to refer to … Read the rest
Force Majeure – Does It Apply to COVID-19?
With New Hampshire Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #17 announcing closure of all “non-essential” businesses, many individuals and businesses confront contractual obligations they may not be able to fulfill. Some contracts attempt to address unforeseen circumstances with force majeure clauses, which is French for a “superior” or “irresistible” power. The term is used in the legal system to refer to … Read the rest
Is Your Business Essential?
With today’s Executive Order #17 of closure of non-essential businesses and requiring citizens to stay at home as of 12:59 pm. We wanted to pass along what to do if you are unsure if your business was listed as an essential business.
Click here to see Executive Order #17
Click here to see the list of essential businesses.
If the … Read the rest
Access to New Hampshire Courts During the COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 16, 2020, in response to the emergency orders issued by the Governor relating to attempts to reduce the infection rate from the Covid-19 virus, the New Hampshire Supreme Court, cancelled all trials and hearings that require people to appear at the courthouses in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has the responsibility of supervising the operation … Read the rest
COVID-19 Registry Update
Due to rising concerns around COVID-19, many of the state’s registries of deeds are taking precautions to limit the potential exposure of their employees and the public by closing their doors to public. However, all registries are still accepting E-Recording documents and regular US mail. Most are still also accepting FedEx and UPS deliveries as well. Below is a list … Read the rest