New Hampshire Eviction

Types of New Hampshire Eviction Notices

There are several types of eviction notices that landlords can issue, each corresponding to specific grounds for eviction:

Short-Term Notices (7 Days)

1. 7-Day Notice to Quit

• Grounds: Non-payment of rent
• Details: Landlords can serve this notice the day after rent is due, with no grace period. Additionally, tenants must pay all past due rent or vacate within seven (7) calendar days.
• Legal Citation: New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:2 II(a) & § 540:3 I

2. 7-Day Notice to Vacate

• Grounds: Incurable lease violations (e.g., substantial property damage, threats to health and safety)
• Details: Tenants must vacate within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the notice
• Legal Citation: New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:2 II(b) & § 540:3 II

Long-Term Notices (30 Days)

3. 30-Day Notice to Comply or Vacate

• Grounds: Curable lease violations (e.g., health and safety issues, interference with neighbors)
• Details: Tenants have thirty (30) calendar days to correct the violation or vacate the property
• Legal Citation: New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:2 II(b) to (f) & § 540:3 II

4. 30-Day Notice to Quit

• Grounds: Refusal to sign lease amendments or for economic/business reasons
• Details: Tenants must vacate within thirty (30) calendar days
• Legal Citation: New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:3 II

5. 30-Day Notice to Vacate

• Grounds: Termination of periodic tenancy or expired lease
• Details: Tenants must receive notice at least thirty (30) calendar days before the termination date
• Legal Citation: New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:3 II

How to Write an Eviction Notice in New Hampshire

Required Elements

To ensure legal compliance, eviction notices should include the following elements:

1. Tenant Information: Full name and address of the tenant
2. Lease Violation Details: Specific violation and any balance due
3. Termination Date: Clearly state the date by which tenants must vacate
4. Landlord Information: Print name and signature of the landlord, including the landlord’s address
5. Delivery Method: Note the date and method of delivery, along with printed name and signature

Legal Compliance Standards

Additionally, eviction notices must comply with New Hampshire state requirements. Therefore, landlords should ensure all required elements are present and accurate. Furthermore, notices should use clear, understandable language that tenants can easily comprehend.

How to Serve an Eviction Notice in New Hampshire

Acceptable Service Methods

Landlords may deliver eviction notices using the following methods:

1. Hand Delivery: Directly to the tenant
2. Leaving Notice: At the tenant’s last known residence

Service Documentation

Moreover, landlords should document the service method used. Therefore, proper documentation includes the date, time, and method of delivery. Additionally, landlords should keep copies of all service documentation for their records.

Eviction Process in New Hampshire

Step 1: Serve the Eviction Notice

Landlords must provide written notices to tenants, specifying the reason for eviction and the required notice period.

Step 2: File for Eviction

If tenants do not comply with the notice, landlords can file a Landlord and Tenant Writ with the local District Court. Additionally, the necessary forms include:

• Landlord and Tenant Writ
• Affidavit of Damages and Statement of Claim
• Affidavit of Ownership
• Affidavit of Military Service

Step 3: Court Hearing

Both landlords and tenants can present their cases in court. Furthermore, judges will determine if the eviction can proceed.

Step 4: Obtain Writ of Possession

If judges rule in favor of landlords, they will issue a Writ of Possession. Additionally, this document allows landlords to seek assistance from law enforcement to remove tenants if they do not vacate voluntarily.

Important Legal Citations

Primary New Hampshire Statutes

• New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:1 through 540-A:4
• New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:2 II(a) & (b) through (f)
• New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:3

Additional Compliance Resources

Furthermore, landlords should consult these statutes to ensure full compliance with New Hampshire law. Therefore, understanding these legal requirements is essential for successful eviction proceedings. Additionally, legal professionals can provide guidance on complex situations.

Important Considerations

Legal Process Requirements

Landlords must follow proper legal procedures throughout the eviction process. Additionally, failure to comply with New Hampshire law may result in case dismissal. Therefore, landlords should consult with legal professionals when necessary.

Documentation Standards

Proper documentation is essential for successful eviction proceedings. Moreover, landlords should keep detailed records of all notices served, communications with tenants, and court filings. Therefore, organized record-keeping helps ensure legal compliance and case success.

Timeline Management

Furthermore, landlords must adhere to specific timelines throughout the eviction process. Additionally, missing deadlines can result in case dismissal and require starting the process over. Consequently, landlords should calendar all important dates to ensure compliance.

Statutes

• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:1-a – Definitions
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:5(I) – Definitions
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:5 – Definitions
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6(I)(a) – Procedure
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6(I)(b) – Procedure
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6(IV) – Procedure
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6 (II)(a) and (IV)(a) – Procedure
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6(IV)(b) – Procedure
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6(I)(c) – Procedure
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7(I) – Return of Security Deposit
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7(II) – Return of Security Deposit
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:8 – Remedies
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:9 – Payment after notice
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:1 – Tenancies, nature of
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:2(IV) – Termination of tenancy
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:2(VII) – Termination of tenancy
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:2(VII)(a) – Termination of tenancy
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:2(VII)(b) – Termination of tenancy
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:3(II) – Eviction Notice
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:3(I) – Prohibition on Utility Shut-offs
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:3(V) – Required Notice Before Entry
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:3(II) – Prohibition on Lockouts
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:3(IV) – Emergency Entry Allowed without Notice
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:3(V-a) – Infestations & Pest Treatment
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:3(VII) – Abandonment of Personal Property
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:2 – General Prohibition
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:13 – Writ; Service; Discovery; Record; Default
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:13-a – Defense to retaliation
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:13-b – Evidence of Intent to Retaliate
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:13-d – Defenses to Violations of Fitness
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 503:1 – Small Claim Defined
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4 – Personal actions
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 358-A:10 – Private actions
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 48-A:14 – Minimum Standards Established
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 638:4(III) – Issuing bad checks
• N.H. Rev. Stat. § 638:4(IV) – Issuing bad checks