Stage 1 · Gate
Serve written notice to pay or quit
Day 1
Landlord must deliver a written 7-day notice demanding rent or possession. Service must comply with New Hampshire statute.
Uncontested: 30–50 days · Contested: 60–120 days · Under RSA § 540 (Actions Against Tenants)
The New Hampshire eviction process requires a court-ordered judgment before a landlord can remove a tenant. Timeline figures below begin after the pre-filing notice period expires and the landlord files the complaint with the court. Add 3–60+ days for the applicable pre-filing notice period (pay-or-quit, cure-or-quit, or no-fault) depending on the eviction reason.
| Uncontested eviction (after filing) | 30–50 days | RSA § 540 (Actions Against Tenants) |
| Contested eviction (after filing) | 60–120 days | RSA § 540 (Actions Against Tenants) |
| Pre-filing notice: Non-payment of rent | 7 days | RSA § 540 (Actions Against Tenants) |
| Pre-filing notice: Lease violation / cure | 30 days | RSA § 540 (Actions Against Tenants) |
| Pre-filing notice: End of term / no-cause | 30 days | RSA § 540 (Actions Against Tenants) |
| Court filing fee | $130–$195 | RSA § 540 (Actions Against Tenants) |
Landlord must deliver a written 7-day notice demanding rent or possession. Service must comply with New Hampshire statute.
If tenant has not paid or vacated after the notice period, landlord files in the appropriate local court and pays the filing fee.
The court issues a summons; a process server or sheriff must personally serve the tenant. Service rules vary by county.
Tenant typically has a short window to file a written answer. If no answer is filed, landlord may obtain default judgment. Contested cases are set for a trial date.
Upon judgment for the landlord, the court issues a writ of possession. The sheriff or constable posts and then executes the lockout; only law enforcement may physically remove the tenant.
Informational only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney. Source attribution in the Sources band below.