New Hampshire 7-Day Eviction Notice and Demand for Rent

Last Updated: March 19, 2023.

About this Form Set
This document set includes court-approved 7-Day Eviction Notice and Demand for Rent forms to give the tenant the legally required notice of the landlord's intent to terminate the lease if the tenant does not pay the outstanding rent and late fees in full.

These documents comply with the requirements of the New Hampshire Code, Section 540. The notices act as the initial step in the eviction process, requiring the tenant to pay the full amount of overdue rent within seven (7) days or face lease termination, eviction, and court costs. The notice forms are provided in a standard Adobe PDF format for easy completion and can be instantly downloaded and reused after purchase.

Compliance with Lease Agreement Terms for Notice DeliveryBefore delivering the notice to the tenant, landlords must ensure that the lease agreement terms do not grant the tenant additional rights beyond the minimum requirements set by New Hampshire law. The lease agreement may specify additional requirements for the landlord’s delivery of notice of nonpayment of rent, such as a more extended notice period than the seven (7) day minimum periods specified by New Hampshire law. Landlords should review the relevant lease provisions carefully to ensure compliance with all requirements for providing valid notice to the tenant. Failure to comply with lease terms may result in the notice’s invalidation and delay the eviction process.Essential Elements for the NoticeThe landlord must provide the tenant with a demand for rent and an eviction notice, which may be served on the tenant at the same time. This eviction notice must comply with the guidelines specified in Section 540:2 for Termination of Tenancy, Section 540:3 for Eviction Notice, as well as the lease agreement. If the lease agreement does not specify any additional requirements, the eviction notice must include the following elements. The notice must:

1. be in writing;
2. identify the tenant and the rental unit;
3. state the amount of rent that is due plus any other charges authorized under the lease;
4. state the date by which the rent must be paid in full;
5. state that the landlord intends to terminate the lease if the rent is not paid by the due date;
6. state that the tenant has a right to avoid eviction by paying the past due rent and any other charges in accordance with RSA 540:9;
7. state that the tenant has a right to a hearing if they dispute the amount of rent owed or the landlord's right to evict; and
8. be served in accordance with RSA 540:5, which provides rules for service of demand and eviction notices.

Serving the Notice

Under the New Hampshire code, multiple methods are available to serve a notice to a tenant for nonpayment of rent. These methods ensure the tenant receives the notice promptly and appropriately.

1. Draft the Notice. Compose a notice of demand for rent or an eviction notice, ensuring it contains the necessary information required under the applicable statutes.
2. Personal Service. Serve the notice upon the tenant personally.
3. Service at Tenant's Last and Usual place of Abode. If personal service is not possible, leave the notice at the tenant's last and usual place of abode.
4. Timing of Service: Serve the notice of demand for rent upon the tenant at any time after the rent becomes due and prior to or simultaneously with the service of an eviction notice.
5. Proof of Service: After serving the notice, prepare a true and attested copy of the notice accompanied by an affidavit of service. The affidavit need not be sworn under oath.

Keep copies of the notice, affidavit of service, and any other relevant documents, as they may be necessary if legal action is required or if the tenant disputes the notice.By adhering to these instructions based on RSA 540:5, the landlord can ensure the proper delivery of a notice to a residential tenant for nonpayment of rent.