New Hampshire Eviction Notice Requirements

New Hampshire calls the termination notice an eviction notice. For nonpayment of rent, the notice period is 7 days, and the landlord must also serve a written demand for the rent. For most other reasons, including a lease violation, the notice must give at least 30 days. A month-to-month tenancy is ended with a 30-day notice, though most residential rentals, called restricted property, require a lawful reason under RSA 540:2.

The eviction notice must be in writing, state the specific reason for the eviction, and give the date by which the tenant must leave. For nonpayment, the notice must tell the tenant about any right to stop the case by paying the rent owed, $15 in liquidated damages, and the landlord's filing and service costs before the hearing. The demand and notice can be delivered in hand or left at the tenant's home, and proof of service is made with an affidavit of service.

If the tenant stays past the deadline, the landlord may obtain a landlord and tenant writ from the circuit court, district division, and have it served by the sheriff. The tenant can file an appearance by the return day and have a hearing, and cannot be evicted unless the court orders it. New Hampshire prohibits self-help evictions, including lockouts, holding a tenant's belongings, and willfully interrupting utilities, under RSA 540-A:3.