New Hampshire 3-Day Eviction Notice Overview
New Hampshire Does Not Use 3-Day Notices
New Hampshire requires a 7 Days notice under RSA 540:3. A 3-day notice is not valid in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire's landlord-tenant law is found in RSA 540 (Actions Against Tenants) and RSA 540-A (Prohibited Practices). The 7-day notice for non-payment under RSA 540:3 must use specific statutory language. New Hampshire District Courts handle possessory actions. The state requires landlords to provide tenants with specific notices about their rights at the start of tenancy, and has anti-retaliation protections under RSA 540:13-a.
7 Days
Notice period
$120-$175
Filing fee
RSA
Governing law
4-6 Wks
Court process
New Hampshire's Actual Notice Period
New Hampshire requires a 7 days notice under RSA 540:3. Using the wrong notice period is one of the most common grounds for dismissal in District Court.
7 Days Notice (RSA 540:3)
The landlord must deliver a written notice giving the tenant the required time to pay rent or vacate. The notice must state the exact amount of past-due rent. If the tenant pays in full within the notice period, the notice is void and the tenancy continues.
New Hampshire Legal Requirements
- Written Notice: Must be in writing under New Hampshire law
- Rent Amount: State the exact dollar amount of past-due rent owed
- Notice Period: Allow 7 days for the tenant to pay or vacate
- Property Address: Include the complete rental property address
- Tenant Names: Include all tenants named on the lease agreement
- Proper Service: Use an approved service method under New Hampshire law
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in New Hampshire
Personal Delivery
Hand the notice directly to the tenant. Use a witness or process server to document delivery
Posting and Mailing
If personal delivery fails, post the notice on the door and mail a copy by certified or first-class mail
Wait the Full Notice Period
Allow the full 7 days to pass. The day of service does not count as day one
File in District Court
After the notice period expires without payment, file the eviction complaint with proof of service
New Hampshire Eviction Timeline
After the notice period expires, the landlord files in District Court. The court issues a summons and schedules a hearing, typically within 7 to 21 days. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession, and the sheriff or constable executes the writ.
Total timeline from initial notice to physical removal is typically 4-6 wks for uncontested cases. Contested cases with defenses, counterclaims, or appeals can add several weeks to the process.
New Hampshire Court Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $120-$175 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $75 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,500 |
Sample New Hampshire Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a New Hampshire-compliant notice under RSA 540:3.
7 DAYS NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Pursuant to RSA 540:3
TO TENANT(S):
Name: [Tenant Full Name]
PREMISES:
Address: [Address, City, NH ZIP]
RENT DUE:
$[Amount] for [Period]
NEW HAMPSHIRE COMPLIANCE
This notice complies with RSA 540:3 requiring a 7 Days notice period.