As a business and real estate attorney who has drafted hundreds of landlord-tenant documents in New England over the past 12 years, I’ve seen firsthand how using the correct New Hampshire eviction notice form can save landlords thousands in legal fees and lost rent. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a free, attorney-reviewed 2025 NH eviction notice template, explain exactly when and how to use each type of notice under RSA 540, and walk you through the entire eviction process in New Hampshire.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney or your local housing authority before serving any eviction notice.
Click Here to Download Your Free New Hampshire Eviction Notice Form (Word .docx – Updated for 2025)
New Hampshire is one of the more landlord-friendly states in the Northeast, but the rules under RSA 540 are strict when it comes to proper notice. Serve the wrong form or miss the required waiting period, and your entire case can be dismissed by the district court – forcing you to start over and continue losing rent.
The three most common types of eviction notices in New Hampshire are:
The template I’ve created below combines all three required notices into one fillable document so you only need one file. Simply delete the sections you don’t need before serving.
| Grounds for Eviction | Required Notice Period | Statute | Curable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpayment of rent | 7 days | RSA 540:2, RSA 540:9 | Yes – tenant can pay and stay |
| Violation of lease/rental agreement | 30 days | RSA 540:3 | Sometimes (depends on violation) |
| Month-to-month tenancy termination (no cause) | 30 days | RSA 540:3 II | No |
| Illegal drug activity or substantial damage | 7 days (no cure) | RSA 540:3-a | No |
Source: New Hampshire RSA Title LV Chapter 540 and NH Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant Resources
Step 1: Download the free template above and open in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Step 2: Choose the correct notice type at the top.
Step 3: Fill in tenant names exactly as they appear on the lease.
Step 4: Insert the full rental property address.
Step 5: For nonpayment cases – list the exact amount owed and breakdown (rent, late fees, etc.).
Step 6: Sign and date the notice.
Step 7: Make three copies.
Under RSA 540:5, you must serve the eviction notice by one of these methods:
Certified mail alone is NOT sufficient in New Hampshire – you must use one of the three methods above.
Here are the exact sections included in the downloadable form:
Nonpayment (7-Day Demand): If tenant pays everything owed within 7 days, you MUST allow them to stay (RSA 540:9). If they don’t pay or move, file the Landlord-Tenant Writ at your district court on day 8.
30-Day Notice: Tenant has 30 full days to vacate. Count day 1 as the day after service. If they’re still there on day 31, file immediately.
Court Timeline (2025): Most NH district courts are scheduling landlord-tenant returns within 14-21 days of filing. The entire process from notice to writ of possession usually takes 45-75 days for nonpayment cases.
In my practice, I see these errors constantly:
Can I change the locks myself?
No. Self-help evictions are illegal in NH. Only a sheriff with a court-ordered writ of possession can remove the tenant.
Do I need an attorney?
Not required, but highly recommended for anything beyond simple nonpayment cases.
Is there still a moratorium?
No. The COVID emergency orders expired years ago.
Can I charge application fees or security deposits?
Yes – NH has no limit on security deposits (unlike VT or MA).
I update this template every January and whenever the legislature changes RSA 540. The version you download today is current as of November 2025 and has been used successfully by hundreds of New Hampshire landlords and property managers.
Download Free New Hampshire Eviction Notice Form (DOCX)
Need PDF instead? Click here for printable version
Remember: Using the correct NH eviction notice form and serving it properly is the foundation of a successful eviction case in New Hampshire. One small mistake can cost you months of lost rent.
Bookmark this page and check back in 2026 – I’ll have the updated forms ready the day any new laws take effect.
Have questions about your specific situation? Post them in the comments below or consult a local attorney. Stay compliant, and good luck getting your property back.
Written by Attorney James Carter, Esq. – Licensed in NH since 2013. Last updated November 19, 2025.