How to Dispute a Bill in New Hampshire
New Hampshire consumers have specific rights when disputing incorrect or unfair bills from service providers, medical facilities, or merchants. The dispute process typically involves written communication, documentation of errors, and following timeframes established by both state law and federal consumer protection statutes.
Failing to dispute a bill within the required timeframe may limit your legal options and ability to withhold payment. In New Hampshire, it's crucial to document all communications and send dispute letters via certified mail to establish a paper trail for your case.
Key Considerations
Scenarios
Decisions
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Relevant Laws
New Hampshire Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A)
This law prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices and provides consumers with legal remedies when they've been wrongfully billed. It allows consumers to dispute bills that contain errors, unauthorized charges, or deceptive billing practices. Consumers can file complaints with the NH Consumer Protection Bureau and may be entitled to actual damages, and in some cases, up to three times actual damages if violations were willful or knowing.
New Hampshire Unfair, Deceptive or Unreasonable Collection Practices Act (RSA 358-C)
This law protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices when disputing bills. It prohibits debt collectors from using harassment, false representations, or unfair practices when attempting to collect on disputed bills. Consumers have the right to request verification of the debt and dispute charges they believe are incorrect.
New Hampshire Regulation of Business Practices for Consumer Protection (RSA 358-A:2)
This section specifically outlines prohibited unfair or deceptive acts or practices, which includes billing for goods or services that were not ordered or authorized by the consumer. When disputing a bill, consumers can reference this law if they believe they're being charged for something they didn't agree to purchase.
New Hampshire Utility Consumer Bill of Rights (PUC 1200 Rules)
For utility bills (electricity, gas, water), these regulations establish specific procedures for disputing charges. Consumers have the right to dispute utility bills and request an investigation. During the dispute process, utility companies cannot disconnect service for non-payment of the disputed portion of the bill until the dispute is resolved.
New Hampshire Medical Debt Collection (RSA 358-C:5)
This law provides specific protections when disputing medical bills. It requires healthcare providers and debt collectors to provide itemized statements upon request and prohibits certain collection actions while a bill is being disputed in good faith. Consumers have the right to request verification of medical debts and dispute charges they believe are incorrect.
Regional Variances
Northern New Hampshire
Coos County, as the northernmost and most rural county in New Hampshire, has fewer consumer protection resources available locally. Residents may need to rely more heavily on state-level agencies rather than county-specific offices when disputing bills. The New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau maintains a satellite office with limited hours in Lancaster that serves the region.
Berlin has established a community mediation program that can assist residents with billing disputes before they escalate to formal complaints. This free service is unique to Berlin and can be accessed through the city clerk's office.
Southern New Hampshire
Nashua has additional consumer protection resources through its Office of Economic Development, which offers specialized assistance for billing disputes with local utilities and service providers. They maintain a dedicated consumer affairs liaison who can help residents navigate the dispute process.
Manchester residents have access to the Manchester Consumer Advocacy Center, which provides free assistance with billing disputes. The center offers more extensive in-person support than is available in other parts of the state, including document review and preparation assistance for formal complaints.
Seacoast Region
Portsmouth has implemented a specialized utility bill dispute resolution process that differs from the state standard. Residents must first file with the city's Public Works Department before escalating to state agencies, which adds an additional local review step not required elsewhere in New Hampshire.
Rockingham County offers enhanced consumer protection through its County Attorney's Consumer Protection Division, which handles billing disputes more aggressively than other counties. They maintain a dedicated hotline for billing issues and can intervene directly with businesses on behalf of consumers.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Review and document the billing issue
1 days after startingCarefully review your bill to identify the specific error or dispute. Document the exact amount in question, the date of the charge, and why you believe it's incorrect. Take screenshots or make copies of the bill showing the disputed amount.
Gather supporting documentation
3 days after startingCollect all relevant documents that support your position, including previous bills, payment receipts, service agreements, and any communications with the company about the services or products in question.
Compile Account Statement and Payment History
5 days after startingOrganize your Account Statement and Payment History Records to demonstrate your payment patterns and show any inconsistencies in billing. In New Hampshire, having a clear record of your payment history strengthens your dispute case.
Review your Service Contract or Agreement
7 days after startingCarefully examine your Service Contract or Agreement to understand the terms you agreed to and identify any provisions related to billing disputes. New Hampshire law (RSA 358-A) protects consumers against unfair or deceptive business practices, which may include charging for services not outlined in your agreement.
Contact the company directly
10 days after startingCall the company's customer service department to explain the dispute. Take detailed notes during the call including the date, time, representative's name, and what was discussed. New Hampshire is a one-party consent state for recording calls (RSA 570-A:2), so you may legally record the conversation without informing the other party, though it's often better to mention you're recording.
Compile Proof of Communication
12 days after startingDocument all interactions with the company regarding your dispute. This includes call logs, emails, chat transcripts, and notes from in-person conversations. Under New Hampshire's consumer protection laws, this documentation will be crucial if you need to escalate your complaint.
Draft a Billing Dispute Letter
14 days after startingWrite a formal letter to the company detailing your dispute. Include your account information, the specific charges you're disputing, why you believe they're incorrect, and copies of supporting documentation. Request a written response within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days). In New Hampshire, sending this via certified mail provides proof of delivery.
Send your dispute letter via certified mail
15 days after startingMail your dispute letter with return receipt requested to create a paper trail. Keep the Certified Mail Receipt as proof that the company received your complaint. Under New Hampshire law, this documentation is important for establishing that you made a good faith effort to resolve the dispute.
Complete a Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form (if applicable)
20 days after startingIf the disputed bill is from a credit card company or involves a credit account, fill out a Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form. Under federal law, you must submit this within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. The form provides additional federal protections for billing disputes.
Follow up with the company
45 days after startingIf you don't receive a response within the timeframe specified in your letter, follow up with a phone call and another written communication. Document these follow-up attempts as part of your Proof of Communication file.
File a complaint with the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau
50 days after startingIf the company doesn't resolve your dispute satisfactorily, file a complaint with the NH Consumer Protection Bureau (part of the Attorney General's Office). Complete their Consumer Complaint Form with all relevant details and documentation. The Bureau can mediate disputes and investigate potential violations of NH consumer protection laws (RSA 358-A).
Consider small claims court
60 days after startingIf other methods fail, you may file in New Hampshire small claims court for disputes up to $10,000 (RSA 503:1). Prepare a Small Claims Court Complaint with all your documentation. Filing fees are typically $85-$127 depending on the amount claimed, but you can request fee waivers if needed. Small claims cases in NH don't require an attorney.
Monitor your credit report
70 days after startingIf the disputed bill has been reported to credit bureaus, monitor your credit report for any negative impacts. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can dispute inaccurate information directly with credit bureaus. New Hampshire residents are entitled to one free credit report annually from each major bureau.
Maintain ongoing compliance documentation
75 days after startingKeep all records related to the dispute, including resolution documents, for at least 7 years. Under New Hampshire's statute of limitations for written contracts (RSA 508:4), legal claims can be brought within 3 years, so maintaining these records protects you if issues resurface.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review and document the billing issue | Carefully review your bill to identify the specific error or dispute. Document the exact amount in question, the date of the charge, and why you believe it's incorrect. Take screenshots or make copies of the bill showing the disputed amount. | - | 1 |
| Gather supporting documentation | Collect all relevant documents that support your position, including previous bills, payment receipts, service agreements, and any communications with the company about the services or products in question. | - | 3 |
| Compile Account Statement and Payment History | Organize your Account Statement and Payment History Records to demonstrate your payment patterns and show any inconsistencies in billing. In New Hampshire, having a clear record of your payment history strengthens your dispute case. | - | 5 |
| Review your Service Contract or Agreement | Carefully examine your Service Contract or Agreement to understand the terms you agreed to and identify any provisions related to billing disputes. New Hampshire law (RSA 358-A) protects consumers against unfair or deceptive business practices, which may include charging for services not outlined in your agreement. | - | 7 |
| Contact the company directly | Call the company's customer service department to explain the dispute. Take detailed notes during the call including the date, time, representative's name, and what was discussed. New Hampshire is a one-party consent state for recording calls (RSA 570-A:2), so you may legally record the conversation without informing the other party, though it's often better to mention you're recording. | - | 10 |
| Compile Proof of Communication | Document all interactions with the company regarding your dispute. This includes call logs, emails, chat transcripts, and notes from in-person conversations. Under New Hampshire's consumer protection laws, this documentation will be crucial if you need to escalate your complaint. | - | 12 |
| Draft a Billing Dispute Letter | Write a formal letter to the company detailing your dispute. Include your account information, the specific charges you're disputing, why you believe they're incorrect, and copies of supporting documentation. Request a written response within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days). In New Hampshire, sending this via certified mail provides proof of delivery. | Billing Dispute Letter | 14 |
| Send your dispute letter via certified mail | Mail your dispute letter with return receipt requested to create a paper trail. Keep the Certified Mail Receipt as proof that the company received your complaint. Under New Hampshire law, this documentation is important for establishing that you made a good faith effort to resolve the dispute. | - | 15 |
| Complete a Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form (if applicable) | If the disputed bill is from a credit card company or involves a credit account, fill out a Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form. Under federal law, you must submit this within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. The form provides additional federal protections for billing disputes. | Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form | 20 |
| Follow up with the company | If you don't receive a response within the timeframe specified in your letter, follow up with a phone call and another written communication. Document these follow-up attempts as part of your Proof of Communication file. | - | 45 |
| File a complaint with the New Hampshire Consumer Protection Bureau | If the company doesn't resolve your dispute satisfactorily, file a complaint with the NH Consumer Protection Bureau (part of the Attorney General's Office). Complete their Consumer Complaint Form with all relevant details and documentation. The Bureau can mediate disputes and investigate potential violations of NH consumer protection laws (RSA 358-A). | Consumer Complaint Form | 50 |
| Consider small claims court | If other methods fail, you may file in New Hampshire small claims court for disputes up to $10,000 (RSA 503:1). Prepare a Small Claims Court Complaint with all your documentation. Filing fees are typically $85-$127 depending on the amount claimed, but you can request fee waivers if needed. Small claims cases in NH don't require an attorney. | Small Claims Court Complaint | 60 |
| Monitor your credit report | If the disputed bill has been reported to credit bureaus, monitor your credit report for any negative impacts. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can dispute inaccurate information directly with credit bureaus. New Hampshire residents are entitled to one free credit report annually from each major bureau. | - | 70 |
| Maintain ongoing compliance documentation | Keep all records related to the dispute, including resolution documents, for at least 7 years. Under New Hampshire's statute of limitations for written contracts (RSA 508:4), legal claims can be brought within 3 years, so maintaining these records protects you if issues resurface. | - | 75 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to contact the service provider or merchant directly. Put your dispute in writing, clearly explaining why you believe the bill is incorrect. Include copies of any supporting documentation such as receipts or contracts. Send this via certified mail with return receipt requested to create a paper trail. Many billing disputes can be resolved at this stage through direct communication.
For most consumer bills in New Hampshire, you should dispute charges as soon as possible. For credit card billing errors, federal law (Fair Credit Billing Act) gives you 60 days from the date the first bill containing the error was mailed to you. For medical bills, you typically have 30-180 days depending on the provider. For utility bills, New Hampshire regulations generally require disputes to be filed within 30 days of receiving the bill.
In New Hampshire, you generally don't have to pay the disputed portion of a bill while it's under investigation, but you should pay any undisputed portions. For credit card disputes, the Fair Credit Billing Act protects you from having to pay the disputed amount while it's being investigated. For utility bills, New Hampshire regulations typically prevent disconnection of service for disputed amounts, but you must pay the undisputed portion to maintain this protection.
Yes, you can dispute medical bills in New Hampshire. Start by requesting an itemized bill and reviewing it carefully for errors. Contact the healthcare provider's billing department in writing to explain the dispute. If unsuccessful, you can file a complaint with the New Hampshire Insurance Department if insurance is involved, or contact the New Hampshire Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Bureau. New Hampshire hospitals also have financial assistance programs that may help reduce your bill.
The New Hampshire Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Bureau is the primary agency that handles consumer complaints, including billing disputes. For utility billing issues, contact the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. For insurance-related billing disputes, the New Hampshire Insurance Department can assist. The New Hampshire Banking Department handles disputes with financial institutions. These agencies can provide mediation services and information about your rights under state law.
To dispute a utility bill in New Hampshire, first contact the utility company's customer service department to try resolving the issue. If unsuccessful, file a formal complaint with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC regulates electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications services. During the dispute process, you must pay any undisputed portions of your bill to avoid disconnection. The PUC can mediate the dispute and ensure the utility company follows proper procedures.
Keep copies of all communications with the biller, including letters, emails, and notes from phone calls (with dates, times, and names of representatives). Save the original bill and any corrected bills. Maintain proof of any payments made. Keep delivery confirmations for any correspondence sent. Document any promises or agreements made by the company. This documentation will be crucial if you need to escalate your dispute to a regulatory agency or court.
Yes, if other resolution methods fail, you can file in New Hampshire small claims court for disputes up to $10,000. You'll file in the district court for the location where either you or the business is located. The filing fee ranges from $50-85 depending on the amount claimed. You don't need an attorney, and the process is designed to be navigated by non-lawyers. Before filing, send a final demand letter giving the company one last chance to resolve the issue.
Yes, New Hampshire has several consumer protection laws. The NH Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A) prohibits unfair or deceptive business practices, including fraudulent billing. The Unfair, Deceptive or Unreasonable Collection Practices Act (RSA 358-C) regulates debt collection practices. For medical bills, the NH Surprise Medical Billing law protects patients from certain unexpected charges. Additionally, New Hampshire follows federal protections like the Fair Credit Billing Act and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.