New Hampshire Eviction Notice Overview
New Hampshire is a true 7-day notice state. Under RSA 540:3, landlords must give tenants at least 7 days written notice(called a 'demand for rent') before filing an eviction for non-payment. If the tenant pays the full amount within 7 days, the eviction cannot proceed. New Hampshire's eviction process is called a 'possessory action' and is filed in Circuit Court.
New Hampshire's landlord-tenant law is governed by RSA 540 (Actions Against Tenants) and RSA 540-A (Prohibited Practices and Security Deposits). The state has 10 counties with Circuit Court - District Division locations. Hillsborough County (Manchester/Nashua) and Rockingham County (Salem/Portsmouth) handle the highest volume of eviction filings.
7 Days
Notice period
$120
Filing fee
NH Code
Governing law
Circuit
Court level
RSA 540:3 Legal Framework
New Hampshire Is a True 7-Day Notice State
RSA 540:3 requires a 7-day demand for rent before filing an eviction for non-payment. The tenant has the right to cure by paying the full amount within 7 days. New Hampshire is one of the states where the 7-day notice period is the actual statutory standard.
New Hampshire Notice Periods at a Glance
- 7-Day Demand — Non-Payment (RSA 540:3): Tenant has 7 days to pay all rent owed in full
- 30-Day Notice — No-Cause (RSA 540:3): 30 days written notice for month-to-month termination without cause
- 7-Day Notice — Lease Violations: For material violations of the lease agreement
- Immediate — Criminal Activity: For certain criminal conduct on the premises
New Hampshire Notice Requirements
New Hampshire courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 7 days for non-payment as required by New Hampshire law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in New Hampshire
New Hampshire law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant. Preferred method in New Hampshire courts.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt.
Posting on Premises
Post on the door and mail a copy if personal service fails.
Document Service
Prepare proof of service for the Circuit Court filing.
New Hampshire Eviction Timeline
The New Hampshire eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 7-day demand for rent per RSA 540:3
If not cured, file possessory action in Circuit Court
Court serves notice of hearing
Hearing held; judgment entered if landlord prevails
Writ of possession issued; sheriff enforces removal
Uncontested NH evictions take 5-7 weeks. Contested cases take 7-14 weeks. Hillsborough County may have longer wait times due to volume.
New Hampshire Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in New Hampshire Circuit Court - District Division. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court Filing Fee | $120 |
| Service of Process | $30 - $60 |
| Writ of Possession | $30 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $600 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $200 |
Sample New Hampshire Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a New Hampshire-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of RSA 540:3.
7-DAY DEMAND FOR RENT
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Pursuant to RSA 540:3
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [New Hampshire Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have SEVEN (7) DAYS from service to pay $[Amount] in full or vacate.
NEW HAMPSHIRE COMPLIANCE NOTE
New Hampshire requires a 7-day demand for rent (RSA 540:3). This is the correct statutory period for NH non-payment evictions.