Exhibit 5

February 25, 2013

Securities and Exchange Commission

450 Fifth Street, N.W.

Judiciary Plaza

Washington, DC 20549

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special counsel to National Health Investors, Inc. (the “Company”) in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the “Registration Statement”) being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on the date hereof for the purpose of registering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), 1,500,000 shares (the “Shares”) of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (the “Common Shares”) which may be issued pursuant to the National Health Investors, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). This firm hereby consents to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and with agencies of such states and other jurisdictions as may be necessary in the course of complying with the laws of such states and jurisdictions regarding the offering and sale of the stock in accordance with the Registration Statement.

We have examined originals, or certified or photostatic copies of such statutes, records, regulations, certificates of the officers of the Company and of public officials, and such other information as we have deemed necessary for purposes of rendering this opinion.

In stating our opinion, we have assumed: (i) that all signatures are genuine, all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, and all documents submitted to us as copies conform to authentic original documents; and (ii) that the parties to such documents have the legal right and power under all applicable laws, regulations and agreements to enter into, execute, deliver and perform their respective obligations thereunder. Notwithstanding any contrary implication, our opinion specifically excludes the impact of state blue sky laws and federal regulatory compliance, including but not limited to, federal securities laws.

On the basis of such review, but subject to the limitations expressed herein, we are of the opinion, as of the date hereof, that the securities being registered by the Registration Statement will, when issued in compliance with the Plan and sold as contemplated under the Registration Statement, be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

Our opinion herein is limited solely to the laws of the United States of America and the corporate law of the State of Maryland. In rendering the opinion set forth herein, we have relied upon the documents provided by the Company as referenced above and have made no independent verification or investigation of factual matters pertaining thereto or to the Company.

Very truly yours,

HARWELL HOWARD HYNE

GABBERT & MANNER, P.C.

/s/ Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C.