Adams v. Woodlands of Nashua

**Adams v. Woodlands of Nashua: Roach Infestation Housing Dispute** This case involved a dispute between a tenant named Adams and their landlord, Woodlands of Nashua, over a roach infestation in rental housing. Adams claimed the landlord violated their contract by failing to maintain the property in livable condition, arguing that the roach problem interfered with their right to peaceful enjoyment of their home. Initially, a trial court sided with Adams and awarded $26,000 in damages. However, an appeals court overturned this decision. The higher court ruled that simply having a roach infestation does not automatically constitute a serious contract violation under New Hampshire law. To win such a case, the tenant would need to prove they completely lost the ability to use their home, not just that they were inconvenienced by pests. **What this means for workers:** If you're a renter dealing with pest problems in your housing, this ruling shows that proving a landlord violated your lease can be challenging. You'll need strong evidence that the problem made your home completely unusable, not just unpleasant. Document all issues thoroughly and consider seeking legal guidance before assuming you have a winning case against your landlord.