New Hampshire Eviction Notice Overview
New Hampshire requires a 30-day notice for lease violations under RSA §540:2. There is no 14-day notice in New Hampshire. The state’s eviction process (called "possessory action") is handled by the Circuit Court—District Division. New Hampshire provides moderate tenant protections with specific provisions for manufactured housing communities.
Hillsborough County (Manchester/Nashua), Rockingham County, and Merrimack County (Concord) handle the highest volumes. New Hampshire’s 30-day notice period for violations is one of the longer periods in New England. The state does not have rent control. For non-payment of rent, a 7-day demand for payment is required.
30 Days
Statutory minimum
$125–$190
Circuit Court filing
Written
Notice required
6–10 Wks
Total process
New Hampshire’s 30-Day Notice for Lease Violations
Under RSA §540:2, a landlord must give at least 30 days’ written notice before filing a possessory action for lease violations. This notice must specify the violation and state that the tenant must cure or vacate within 30 days. For non-payment, a 7-day demand letter is required under RSA §540:3.
New Hampshire Notice Periods
30-day notice: Lease violations (RSA §540:2)
7-day demand: Non-payment of rent (RSA §540:3)
Immediate notice: Imminent danger to persons or property
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause
Manufactured housing: Special protections under RSA §205-A
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in New Hampshire
- Unauthorized pets
- Unauthorized occupants
- Noise or disturbances
- Property damage
- Failure to maintain the unit
- Operating businesses without permission
New Hampshire Legal Requirements
New Hampshire courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Required under RSA §540:2
- 30-Day Period: Give at least 30 days to cure or vacate
- Specific Violation: Describe the breach
- Termination Warning: State consequences of noncompliance
- Landlord Info: Name, address, phone
Serving the Notice in New Hampshire
Proper service is critical in New Hampshire. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand the notice to the tenant or leave at last and usual abode.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt.
Process Server
Use a sheriff or process server for court-ready documentation.
New Hampshire Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in New Hampshire, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
New Hampshire Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in New Hampshire. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Filing Fee | $125 – $190 |
| Sheriff Service | $40 – $70 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 – $50 |
| Attorney Fees | $800 – $2,000 |
Sample New Hampshire Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a New Hampshire-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under NH law.
30-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR VACATE
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Pursuant to RSA §540:2
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [New Hampshire Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have thirty (30) days to cure the above violation or vacate the premises. Failure to comply will result in a possessory action in Circuit Court.