New Hampshire 60-Day Notice Overview
New Hampshire does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under RSA 540:3, a tenancy at will can be terminated with 30 days written notice. New Hampshire's eviction statutes are found in RSA Chapter 540 (Actions Against Tenants). The state provides moderate tenant protections with anti-retaliation provisions.
New Hampshire provides moderate tenant protections. Security deposits are capped at one month's rent or $100 (whichever is greater) under RSA 540-A:6. The deposit must be returned within 30 days. The state has no statewide rent control. Southern New Hampshire, particularly Manchester, Nashua, and the Seacoast, has an extremely tight rental market driven by proximity to Boston.
30 Days
Statutory default
$85-$170
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
2-4 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in New Hampshire
Since New Hampshire's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many New Hampshire property managers include 60-day non-renewal clauses. The contractual obligation overrides the 30-day statutory minimum under RSA 540:3 when specified in the lease agreement.
NHHFA Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) and local housing authorities frequently require 60-90 days notice before termination of subsidized tenancies.
Tight Southern NH Market
Southern New Hampshire has an extremely tight rental market due to proximity to Boston. Providing 60 days is best practice to allow tenants adequate relocation time in one of New England's most competitive rental markets.
New Hampshire Legal Requirements
New Hampshire's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
New Hampshire Eviction Grounds
Under RSA 540:2, a landlord must generally have one of the statutory grounds for eviction, including non-payment, substantial damage, violation of lease terms, or the landlord's need to use the premises. For month-to-month tenancies, the 30-day notice under RSA 540:3 applies for no-cause terminations. New Hampshire's requirements are more protective than many neighboring states.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: RSA 540:3 requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient under New Hampshire law for tenancy terminations
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including town/city, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the rental period
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, New Hampshire mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: RSA 540-A:6-7 requires return of the deposit within 30 days with an itemized statement. Deposits capped at one month's rent or $100
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in New Hampshire
Proper service is critical in New Hampshire. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a New Hampshire-specific template referencing RSA 540:3. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. New Hampshire courts prefer personal service. Use a process server or witness
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt. New Hampshire accepts mailed service for landlord-tenant notices
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Possessory Action in Circuit Court
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in Circuit Court - District Division where the property is located
New Hampshire Eviction Timeline
New Hampshire's eviction process is filed as a Possessory Action in Circuit Court - District Division under RSA 540. After the notice period expires, the landlord files a Writ of Summons. The court schedules a hearing within 10-14 days.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. The tenant has 7 days to appeal. If no appeal, a writ of possession is issued and the sheriff enforces removal.
Total court timeline: 2-4 weeks uncontested, 4-8 weeks contested. Hillsborough County (Manchester, Nashua) has the heaviest caseload. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 10-16 weeks.
New Hampshire Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in New Hampshire vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Filing Fee | $85 - $170 |
| Service of Process | $30 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 - $2,000 |
| Writ of Possession | $25 - $50 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $75 - $200 |
Sample New Hampshire 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our New Hampshire-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Pursuant to RSA 540:3
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [New Hampshire Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
NEW HAMPSHIRE COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 30 days of vacating per RSA 540-A:6-7, with an itemized list of deductions. Please provide a forwarding address upon vacating.