Renter's Resources

The City of Portsmouth website holds a wealth of information on the amenities, services and other benefits all Portsmouth residents can enjoy. This page highlights these (with links to more detailed information) along with outside resources covering Renters rights and obligations.

For City news, events and resident information subscribe to the City Newsletter, distributed by email every Monday afternoon to stay informed, connect with the City.

The Clerk's Office is located on the 2nd Floor of City Hall (directions: Driving Directions). All US citizens with a Portsmouth address are eligible to vote in the City, State and national elections held in Portsmouth. Voting takes place in the ward polling location based on the residential address. For more information on City Clerk services, visit: 

• The Clerk's homepage
  • Birth Certificates, Marriage Licenses, and Death Certificates
  • Use of docks and other public facilities
  • Community participation: 
    • All residents are eligible to volunteer or be elected for service on City boards, committees and commissions. For more information, visit: Boards, Commissions and Committees. 
    • All residents are invited to speak during public comment at any City Council, board, committee or commission meeting. 
• Voting information 
• Dog Licenses

Motor Vehicle Title & Registration is handled through the Tax Collector’s Office.

The Recreation Department provides all Portsmouth residents with free (or discounted) access to ballfields, courts (indoor and out), swimming pools (indoor and out), Portsmouth Skate Park, Portsmouth Senior Activity Center, trips and programs. For information, visit: Recreation Department.

Parks and playgrounds are maintained throughout the City for the enjoyment of all. For more information, visit: Parks & Greenery.

The Portsmouth Public Library is open to everyone and all Portsmouth residents are eligible to receive a free Library card providing access to all of the library’s resources (print, digital, film, audio and other “fun stuff”), programs (many of which are free and open to the public without a library card) and other assistance. For information visit: Borrow & Download. 

Parking discounts are offered to Portsmouth residents using the ParkMobile app. They are also eligible for flat-rate parking during snow parking bans and some other special events. For details, visit: ParkMobile App & Resident Discount. 

Construction & Snow Storm information is essential, because it wouldn't be New England without snow and construction. For road closures and other construction impacts, visit the Seasonal Construction page. For snow impacts including parking bans, visit the Snow-Related Impacts page. There, you can also sign up for the Smart911 alert system!

The waste collection schedule for curbside solid waste (trash and recycling) is based on neighborhood. See the waste collection page for details. The City also operates a recycling center.

Portsmouth Schools are part of the regional SAU 52 School District. Public schools include three elementary schools (attendance by neighborhood), Portsmouth Middle School, Portsmouth High School and the Robert J. Lister Academy alternative high school. Great Bay Community College offers professional and trade programs, including apprenticeships and programs providing an affordable jump-start to University of New Hampshire (Durham) degrees. For more information, visit Recreation Department. 

The Portsmouth Police and Fire Departments respond to emergency calls to “911.” For non-emergencies, the Fire dispatch phone number is: 603-427-1515 and Police dispatch is 603-427-1500. Sign up for the City’s Smart911 system to receive voice, email and/or text messages with emergency notifications: Smart911 Alert Notifications.

• Police: For more information on towing, accident or arrest reports, animal control, complaints, etc., visit: Police Department. 
• Fire: For fire prevention and inspection questions, visit: Fire Department.

Businesses support information about owning or starting a business in Portsmouth can be found here: How to Start a Business 

First-time Home Buyers’ Program is designed to to help eligible individuals and families overcome the financial barriers to homeownership, visit: First Time Homebuyer Program for more information.

Housing Committee guidance for developing and retaining affordable housing: Housing Blue Ribbon Committee.