N.H. Rev. Stat. § 48-A:5
The court shall as soon as practicable issue its order upon said petition; and if the court finds the dwelling complained against is unfit for human habitation due to any of the causes or conditions enumerated in RSA 48-A:2, such order shall direct the public agency to repair, alter, or improve such dwelling to render it fit for human habitation if such repair, alteration or improvement can be made at a reasonable cost in relation to the value of the dwelling and the ability of the owner to assume such cost; or if the repair, alteration or improvement of said dwelling cannot be made at a reasonable cost in relation to the value of the dwelling and the ability of the owner to assume such cost, to remove or demolish such dwelling. If the court shall find in favor of the owner, it shall award to him his reasonable costs and expenses, including counsel fees, all as determined by the court, incurred by him in his defense of the action in the superior court.
RSA 48-A:5
1959, 293:1, eff. Nov. 16, 1959.