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Landlord/Tenant - District Division

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Eviction Diversion Program – Before filing a court case, landlords and tenants can use a free mediation service to resolve their disputes. At mediation, a trained, neutral mediator helps the parties discuss their issues and explore options to reach agreement if they choose. Parties can decide whether to participate in mediation and whether settle their case or not. They do not give up any rights by participating in mediation.

Learn more about the eviction diversion program  

New Forms – In response to changes in the law, the Circuit Court has issued new forms, including a new eviction notice and new demand for rent, for use in all eviction cases under RSA 540.

Landlords or tenants in doubt as to the legal requirements of a landlord and tenant action should consult with an attorney or the applicable law, RSA 540 and District Court Rules 5.1 – 5.12. In addition, residential landlords and tenants are encouraged to consult the Section 4024 of the federal CARES Act (codified as 14 U.S.C. § 9058) to determine if their cases are covered by that federal law.

RSA 540 Timeline

Navigating the New Hampshire Eviction Process

Judge Pendleton talks about what to expect when a landlord decides to evict a tenant from rental property.

Length: 16:13 | Transcript: Navigating the New Hampshire Eviction Process

Effective January 1, 2007, the district division is required to provide forms for a Demand for Rent and Eviction Notice (formerly known as the Notice to Quit) in court locations and on the New Hampshire judicial branch website. Although landlords are not required to use these forms, they are still required to use forms with language that complies with both RSA 540:3 and RSA 540:3-1. Landlords are required to submit an Affidavit of Compliance with Federal Law approved by the Circuit Court prior to requesting a Landlord/Tenant Writ in all residential evictions.

Landlord specific forms:

 Checklists:

New Hampshire Community Action Partnership (NHCAP)

Cost of writ:

$1.00

Filing fee: 

$125.00.

The Landlord/Tenant Writ must be purchased from the court, completed (except for the return date), filed with the court, and filing fee paid prior to service of process.

The Demand for Rent (if applicable) and Eviction Notice must have been delivered to the tenant and must have expired prior to the landlord’s filing of the Landlord/Tenant Writ.  Please note that the CARES Act, effective March 27, 2020, impacts the notice period for “covered property” if a basis for eviction is non-payment of rent.

If the Landlord/Tenant Writ includes a claim for unpaid rent, a completed statement of the claim and affidavit of damages must accompany the Landlord/Tenant Writ to be served upon the tenant. This form will be provided at the time of the purchase of the Landlord/Tenant Writ at no extra charge.

For all residential evictions, the Court will require an Affidavit of Compliance with Federal Law prior to issuing a Landlord/Tenant Writ.  The Affidavit of Compliance with Federal Law must also accompany the Landlord/Tenant Writ to be served upon the tenant.

It is the responsibility of the landlord to deliver the completed Landlord/Tenant Writ, the Affidavit of Compliance with Federal Law and accompanying affidavit of damages and statement of claim (if applicable) to the sheriff for service upon the tenant. With the sheriff's assistance the return date on the Landlord/Tenant Writ will be completed. Once service upon the tenant has been made, the landlord must file the return of service with the court.

If the tenant does not file an Appearance, no court hearing will be scheduled and the court will issue a Notice of Default. If the tenant does file an Appearance, a trial will be scheduled within approximately ten (10) days. If the tenant does not appear at the court hearing, a Notice of Default will be issued.

Tenants who wish to be heard at a court hearing should complete an Appearance form for Landlord/Tenant cases (available at the court and online) and file it with the court on or prior to the return date indicated on the Landlord/Tenant Writ.

The return date is not the date on which the case will be heard. If the tenant files an Appearance form with the court, the matter will be scheduled for trial within approximately ten (10) days.  If the Landlord/Tenant Writ contains a claim for unpaid rent, the tenant may file a counterclaim.  A counterclaim must be filed on or before the return date indicated in the Landlord/Tenant Writ.

The landlord and tenant will be notified by mail of the trial date.

If the tenant fails to file the Appearance form on or prior to the return date indicated on the Landlord/Tenant Writ, or if the tenant fails to appear at the court hearing, a Notice of Default will be issued against the tenant. If the Landlord/Tenant Writ contains a claim for unpaid rent, a judgment for that amount may be entered against the tenant.  If the tenant does not file a Motion to Strike Default (the Motion to Strike Default must contain certain information which is contained on the Notice of Default) the court will issue a Notice of Judgment and Writ of Possession which allows the landlord to take possession of the rented premises.  The Notice of Judgment and Writ of Possession will not issue for at least five (5) business days from the date of the Notice of Default.

If the trial results in judgment for the tenant, the Writ of Possession will not issue. If the trial results in judgment for the landlord, a Writ of Possession may issue. The tenant then has seven (7) days from the Notice of Judgment date to file a Notice of Intent to Appeal with the Circuit Court, and 30 days to file an appeal with the Supreme Court.  If a Notice of Intent to Appeal is filed, there will be a requirement that weekly rent be paid by the tenant either to the court or to the landlord. The court may require payment of one week’s rent at the time the Notice of Intent to Appeal is filed.

For further information regarding tenant rights see the New Hampshire Legal Aid website: http://www.nhlegalaid.org/self-help-guides/housing/evictions

Forms: 

Do you need a lawyer?

Landlord-tenant cases can be complicated and it is recommended that you consult a lawyer to help navigate the process and protect your legal rights. There are several agencies that provide low-cost legal aid or free legal aid. You may also be able to hire a lawyer to help with part of your legal case, which could save time and money.