Renting a home · Updated Oct 2026 · New Hampshire

Got an eviction notice in New Hampshire: what to do

A notice from the landlord is usually the first step, not the eviction itself; only a court can order you out, and only a sheriff or similar officer can carry out that order. Read the notice carefully, find the deadline, and never ignore court papers: if you don't answer or show up, you can lose automatically. Free legal aid and rent help can make a big difference.

This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case.

Build your plan

Choose your state and answer 3 quick questions. The plan below changes as you answer: steps that don't fit your answers are hidden, and your state's deadlines appear. It all happens in your browser. Nothing is sent, and the page address holds only your answers.

Your plan for New Hampshire

Do now

  1. Read the notice or papers and write down every date: the notice deadline, the court date, and any answer deadline.

    Why: Missing a court deadline can mean losing without a hearing.

  2. Do not move out or stop paying just because of a notice, and do not ignore court papers.

    Why: A notice is not a court order: only a court can order you out, and ignoring court papers can lead to a default judgment.

  3. Call legal aid today. Some cities give tenants a free lawyer in eviction cases.

    Why: Legal aid can check whether the notice and the case follow your state's rules and what defenses you have.

  4. If you answered “A court judgment or writ / notice from the sheriff” to “What did you get?”

    If you got a judgment or a notice from the sheriff, ask the court clerk or legal aid today about appeal or stay deadlines.

    Why: These deadlines can be only a few days.

  5. If you answered “Unpaid rent” to “What is the reason?”

    If the reason is unpaid rent, call 211 and your local housing agency about emergency rental assistance.

    Why: Paying or getting a commitment of help can stop or settle some cases.

  6. If you answered “No reason / lease ending” to “What is the reason?”

    If no reason is given or the lease is ending, check your city page for just-cause rules and think about whether it followed a complaint (retaliation).

    Why: Some cities and states require a reason to end a tenancy, and retaliation is illegal in most states.

  7. If you answered “Lease violation” to “What is the reason?”

    If the notice is for a lease violation, read what it says you did and check on your state page whether you get a chance to fix it within the notice period.

    Why: Some states let you stop the eviction by fixing the violation in time.

This week

  1. Check your state's notice period and court deadlines on tenantrightsmap.com, and your city page if you live in one of the covered cities.

    Why: Notice periods and answer deadlines differ by state and some cities add just-cause rules.

  2. If you answered “Court papers (summons or complaint)” to “What did you get?”

    If you received court papers, file your written answer (if your state requires one) and go to every hearing, even if you are negotiating.

    Why: In many courts the case can be decided at the first hearing, and not showing up can mean losing automatically.

  3. Gather proof: lease, rent receipts, bank records, messages, photos of conditions, repair requests.

    Why: Payments, repair problems and retaliation can be defenses.

  4. If you answered “Yes” to “Do you live in public housing, have a voucher, or live in a building with federal funding or a federally backed mortgage?”

    Tell legal aid if you live in subsidized or federally backed housing.

    Why: A federal law (CARES Act § 4024(c), 15 U.S.C. 9058(c)) says landlords of 'covered' properties (federally assisted, or with a federally backed mortgage) may not make a tenant leave before 30 days after a notice to vacate. It is still in the U.S. Code, but courts disagree: Colorado's Supreme Court (2023) held it is still in effect, and Washington's Supreme Court (2025) held it applies only to evictions for unpaid rent. Separately, current HUD rules require at least 30 days' written notice before ending a lease for unpaid rent in public housing and in buildings with project-based HUD rental assistance (24 CFR 966.4(l)(3), 247.4(c)); HUD has proposed revoking this, but as of October 2026 that change is on hold.

  5. If you answered “Not sure” to “Do you live in public housing, have a voucher, or live in a building with federal funding or a federally backed mortgage?”

    Tell legal aid if you live in subsidized or federally backed housing.

    Why: A federal law (CARES Act § 4024(c), 15 U.S.C. 9058(c)) says landlords of 'covered' properties (federally assisted, or with a federally backed mortgage) may not make a tenant leave before 30 days after a notice to vacate. It is still in the U.S. Code, but courts disagree: Colorado's Supreme Court (2023) held it is still in effect, and Washington's Supreme Court (2025) held it applies only to evictions for unpaid rent. Separately, current HUD rules require at least 30 days' written notice before ending a lease for unpaid rent in public housing and in buildings with project-based HUD rental assistance (24 CFR 966.4(l)(3), 247.4(c)); HUD has proposed revoking this, but as of October 2026 that change is on hold.

If it's not resolved

  1. If you can, talk to the landlord about a payment plan or move-out date and put any agreement in writing (often signed in court).

    Why: A written agreement can avoid an eviction judgment on your record.

  2. If you lose, ask about the appeal deadline and how long you have before the officer can remove you.

    Why: The window can be short; the landlord still cannot remove you themselves.

  3. If the landlord changes the locks, removes your things or cuts utilities without a court order, see the lockout situation.

    Why: Self-help eviction is illegal or limited in nearly every state.

Deadlines

Notice period before the landlord can file in court

General rule: see state

In New Hampshire:

Unpaid rent
For unpaid rent the landlord must give you a written Demand for Rent and a written eviction notice of at least 7 days (30 days for properties covered by the federal CARES Act). RSA 540:2, II(a); RSA 540:3, II. The notice must state the reason and tell you of your right to stop the eviction by paying. You can stop a nonpayment case by paying, before the hearing on the merits, all rent due through the date of payment, $15 in liquidated damages, other lawful charges under the lease and, if the case was already filed, the filing fee and sheriff's service costs, in cash, certified check, money order, electronic transfer or a written government promise to pay. You can do this no more than 3 times in 12 months (RSA 540:9; court Eviction Notice form). In most cases the landlord also needs one of the legal grounds ('good cause') listed in RSA 540:2.
Lease violation
Substantial damage to the unit, behavior by you or your household that adversely affects others' health or safety, or (in some domestic-violence lease terminations) a remaining occupant who is the accused abuser: 7-day eviction notice. Failure to follow a material lease term, or other good cause (including refusing a valid rent increase): 30-day eviction notice. RSA 540:2, II; RSA 540:3, II (court Eviction Notice form NHJB-3041-D, rev. 10/08/2026). Most tenants can be evicted only for these listed reasons.
Month-to-month, no reason given
Tenant: 30 days' notice that ends on a rent due date (603 Legal Aid). Landlord: a written eviction notice stating good cause; 30 days for 'other good cause' (no-fault) reasons. New since July 1, 2026 (2025 N.H. Laws ch. 263): if your lease was for 12 months or more (or shorter leases were renewed for 12 months or more in total), the landlord may also end the tenancy when the lease term expires, but only with written notice at least 60 days before the lease ends and only if the eviction case is filed within 6 months after the lease expires. Such a 'no-fault termination' cannot be treated as an eviction on rental applications or tenant screening reports, and you can still raise retaliation or discrimination as a defense. RSA 540:2, II(i), VIII. Owner-occupied buildings and some single-family homes may have fewer protections.

Law: RSA 540:2, 540:3, 540:9, 540:13, 540:13-c; RSA 540-A:2 to 540-A:4; 2025 N.H. Laws ch. 263; 2026 N.H. Laws ch. 308 · checked Oct 2026 · From Tenant Rights Map: New Hampshire

Deadline to answer the court papers and the hearing timing

General rule: see state; also printed on your summons

In New Hampshire:

File an Appearance form with the court by the return day printed on the Landlord and Tenant Writ (7 days after the sheriff serves you; it is not the hearing date). Since October 8, 2026 (2026 N.H. Laws ch. 308), you must also file a written Answer (form NHJB-3059-DP) no later than 5 days after the return day, listing all your defenses and counterclaims. If you miss the Appearance, you are in default, and a default rules out any extra time to move. If you appear, a hearing is held within about 10 days. If the landlord wins after a hearing, the writ of possession issues 7 days after the court mails the notice of judgment. The judge may delay your move-out for up to 60 days (up to 75 days in limited cases, e.g., age, disability or limited English, if the landlord would not be harmed), as long as you pay rent weekly in advance. To appeal, file a notice of intent to appeal within 7 days and pay rent as it comes due. RSA 540:13, 540:13-c (court Eviction Notice and Answer forms, rev. 10/08/2026).

Law: RSA 540:2, 540:3, 540:9, 540:13, 540:13-c; RSA 540-A:2 to 540-A:4; 2025 N.H. Laws ch. 263; 2026 N.H. Laws ch. 308 · checked Oct 2026 · From Tenant Rights Map: New Hampshire

30-day notice to vacate in 'covered' federally assisted or federally backed properties

General rule: 15 U.S.C. 9058(c) (CARES Act § 4024(c)): 30 days after a notice to vacate for covered properties; still in the Code as of October 2026, but courts disagree on whether and how it applies (in effect: Colorado Supreme Court 2023; only for unpaid rent: Washington Supreme Court 2025)

Official source

Notice before ending a lease for unpaid rent in public housing or project-based HUD-assisted housing

General rule: at least 30 days' written notice (24 CFR 966.4(l)(3)(i)(A) and 247.4(c)); HUD's February 2026 revocation (91 FR 9449) was delayed indefinitely on March 13, 2026 (91 FR 12301)

Official source

Key facts for New Hampshire

Tenant Rights Map

Deadline to return a deposit
30 days
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
7 days
Notice before the landlord enters
Reasonable notice

Tenant Rights Map: New Hampshire · checked Oct 2026

Documents to gather

  • The notice and any court papers (keep envelopes)
  • Lease and any renewals
  • Rent receipts, bank or money order records
  • Messages with the landlord
  • Repair requests and photos of conditions
  • Proof of applying for rental assistance
  • Voucher or subsidy documents if any

Where to go

Costs

Answering an eviction case usually has no fee or a small fee that can often be waived; ask the clerk. Appeals may require paying rent into court or a bond. Legal aid is free if you qualify.

Talk to a lawyer if

  • You received court papers
  • You have a judgment or a notice from the sheriff/marshal/constable
  • You live in public housing or have a voucher
  • You think the eviction is retaliation or discrimination
  • You or someone in your home is a survivor of domestic violence

Free help

Free legal aid for renters with low income: find your local office through the Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help) or LawHelp.org (lawhelp.org/find-help). Your state page on tenantrightsmap.com lists state tenant help. For help paying rent or utilities, call 211 or visit 211.org. HUD's state pages (hud.gov/states) list local tenant resources. Some cities (for example New York City) give tenants a free lawyer in eviction cases; your city page on tenantrightsmap.com says if yours does.

Guides for your state

Guides for every state

Questions

What is the notice period before the landlord can file in court in New Hampshire?

Unpaid rent: For unpaid rent the landlord must give you a written Demand for Rent and a written eviction notice of at least 7 days (30 days for properties covered by the federal CARES Act). RSA 540:2, II(a); RSA 540:3, II. The notice must state the reason and tell you of your right to stop the eviction by paying. You can stop a nonpayment case by paying, before the hearing on the merits, all rent due through the date of payment, $15 in liquidated damages, other lawful charges under the lease and, if the case was already filed, the filing fee and sheriff's service costs, in cash, certified check, money order, electronic transfer or a written government promise to pay. You can do this no more than 3 times in 12 months (RSA 540:9; court Eviction Notice form). In most cases the landlord also needs one of the legal grounds ('good cause') listed in RSA 540:2. Lease violation: Substantial damage to the unit, behavior by you or your household that adversely affects others' health or safety, or (in some domestic-violence lease terminations) a remaining occupant who is the accused abuser: 7-day eviction notice. Failure to follow a material lease term, or other good cause (including refusing a valid rent increase): 30-day eviction notice. RSA 540:2, II; RSA 540:3, II (court Eviction Notice form NHJB-3041-D, rev. 10/08/2026). Most tenants can be evicted only for these listed reasons. Month-to-month, no reason given: Tenant: 30 days' notice that ends on a rent due date (603 Legal Aid). Landlord: a written eviction notice stating good cause; 30 days for 'other good cause' (no-fault) reasons. New since July 1, 2026 (2025 N.H. Laws ch. 263): if your lease was for 12 months or more (or shorter leases were renewed for 12 months or more in total), the landlord may also end the tenancy when the lease term expires, but only with written notice at least 60 days before the lease ends and only if the eviction case is filed within 6 months after the lease expires. Such a 'no-fault termination' cannot be treated as an eviction on rental applications or tenant screening reports, and you can still raise retaliation or discrimination as a defense. RSA 540:2, II(i), VIII. Owner-occupied buildings and some single-family homes may have fewer protections. (RSA 540:2, 540:3, 540:9, 540:13, 540:13-c; RSA 540-A:2 to 540-A:4; 2025 N.H. Laws ch. 263; 2026 N.H. Laws ch. 308)

What is the deadline to answer the court papers and the hearing timing in New Hampshire?

File an Appearance form with the court by the return day printed on the Landlord and Tenant Writ (7 days after the sheriff serves you; it is not the hearing date). Since October 8, 2026 (2026 N.H. Laws ch. 308), you must also file a written Answer (form NHJB-3059-DP) no later than 5 days after the return day, listing all your defenses and counterclaims. If you miss the Appearance, you are in default, and a default rules out any extra time to move. If you appear, a hearing is held within about 10 days. If the landlord wins after a hearing, the writ of possession issues 7 days after the court mails the notice of judgment. The judge may delay your move-out for up to 60 days (up to 75 days in limited cases, e.g., age, disability or limited English, if the landlord would not be harmed), as long as you pay rent weekly in advance. To appeal, file a notice of intent to appeal within 7 days and pay rent as it comes due. RSA 540:13, 540:13-c (court Eviction Notice and Answer forms, rev. 10/08/2026). (RSA 540:2, 540:3, 540:9, 540:13, 540:13-c; RSA 540-A:2 to 540-A:4; 2025 N.H. Laws ch. 263; 2026 N.H. Laws ch. 308)

What is the 30-day notice to vacate in 'covered' federally assisted or federally backed properties?

15 U.S.C. 9058(c) (CARES Act § 4024(c)): 30 days after a notice to vacate for covered properties; still in the Code as of October 2026, but courts disagree on whether and how it applies (in effect: Colorado Supreme Court 2023; only for unpaid rent: Washington Supreme Court 2025)

What is the notice before ending a lease for unpaid rent in public housing or project-based HUD-assisted housing?

at least 30 days' written notice (24 CFR 966.4(l)(3)(i)(A) and 247.4(c)); HUD's February 2026 revocation (91 FR 9449) was delayed indefinitely on March 13, 2026 (91 FR 12301)

When should I talk to a lawyer?

You received court papers; You have a judgment or a notice from the sheriff/marshal/constable; You live in public housing or have a voucher; You think the eviction is retaliation or discrimination; You or someone in your home is a survivor of domestic violence.

How much does it cost?

Answering an eviction case usually has no fee or a small fee that can often be waived; ask the clerk. Appeals may require paying rent into court or a bond. Legal aid is free if you qualify.

Plans by state

Open the plan with one state's rules filled in:

Sources

Plan checked Oct 2026. Independently fact-checked 2026-10-24.

This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case. How we research.