Eviction Laws in New Hampshire
Non-payment of rent eviction in New Hampshire
When a tenant falls behind on rent in New Hampshire, the landlord must first serve a 7-day pay-or-quit notice. This gives the tenant 7 days to either pay the full amount owed or vacate. If the tenant does neither, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit — called an unlawful detainer or summary possession action — in New Hampshire court.
A court order is required before any lockout. The landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove the tenant's belongings before winning a judgment.
Lease violation eviction in New Hampshire
For non-payment lease violations — unauthorized pets, excess occupants, noise complaints, property damage — the landlord must give 30 days notice. New Hampshire provides no statutory cure period for lease violations — the tenant may be required to vacate without the opportunity to fix the issue, depending on the nature of the violation.
Terminating month-to-month tenancy in New Hampshire
To end a month-to-month rental agreement without cause, the landlord must give 30 days written notice. The tenant must give the same 30-day notice to end the tenancy.
Note: New Hampshire requires just cause to terminate any tenancy. A no-fault month-to-month termination must still qualify under one of the state's recognized grounds. See RSA 540:2; 540:3 for the full list.
Important New Hampshire eviction details
New Hampshire requires just cause for all residential evictions under RSA 540:2 — one of the few states with a statewide good-cause requirement. 7-day notice for non-payment. No defined cure period for lease violations — notice is unconditional quit. Month-to-month terminated with 30 days' notice.
What counts as an illegal eviction in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, a landlord who attempts to evict a tenant without following the legal process commits an illegal (self-help) eviction. This includes:
- Changing the locks without a court order
- Removing doors, windows, or the tenant's belongings
- Shutting off utilities (electricity, water, heat)
- Harassment designed to pressure the tenant to leave
Self-help evictions are prohibited in all 50 states and DC. Tenants who experience an illegal lockout can typically seek emergency relief from a court and may be entitled to damages.