Eviction Law in New Hampshire
What Is an Eviction?
An eviction is the forceful exiting of tenants following an issued notice by the property owner or landlord. Evictions usually come as a result of failure to pay rent, or from violations of the lease agreement. However, evicting a problem tenant can be a long and costly experience as landlord-tenant laws favor tenants. Getting a better understanding of New Hampshire eviction law can help.
Even though eviction notices happen as a result of serious problems with the tenant, not all eviction notices lead to an actual eviction. Oftentimes, eviction notices serve as a final warning for the tenant. If the tenant can then pay rent, or begin to follow the lease agreement, they may avoid eviction.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
If a delinquent New Hampshire tenant frequently pays rent late, or has not paid rent at all, there is a good reason for eviction. Some states do have a grace period for an occasional late payment. However, if a tenant makes a habit of always paying late, that grace period does not apply and the property owner can provide an eviction notice.
According to the American Apartment Owners Association, New Hampshire does not have a state statute regarding late fees. The landlord can charge late fees if rent is not paid on the date specified in the lease. However, the landlord can only impose late fees if the lease agreement contains a clause concerning late fees. Furthermore, eviction for not paying rent in New Hampshire requires seven days’ notice.
You should always provide your tenant with “late rent” notices and keep a copy for yourself in your files. That way, if the eviction case goes to court, you have paper evidence of their failure to pay rent on time.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
Lease agreements are legal contracts. This means if your tenant violates the contract in any way, it can be grounds for eviction. For example, if your lease agreement says that your tenant cannot have an additional person living in the unit, and they violate this rule, you can begin the eviction notice process.
The lease agreement is also legally binding for the landlord. This means that any New Hampshire landlord must also follow the rules laid out in the agreement, such as making repairs, and performing maintenance written into the lease.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Tenants are going to cause damage to the property; it’s unavoidable. Wear and tear when living in a home is normal. Still, there’s a difference between scratches on the wall or broken blinds, and intentional destruction of property.
If it’s clear that your tenant is doing severe damage to your property, such as breaking through walls or smashing windows, this may be cause for eviction. However, if your tenant makes repairs themselves, and doesn’t make any major changes to the property, this might not be grounds for eviction.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
If your tenant is using your New Hampshire property for illegal purposes, such as selling drugs or weapons, this can be clear grounds for eviction. Reporting the issue might also bring criminal charges against the tenant.
However, you should prepare to provide evidence that the tenant is using the property for illegal purposes. If law enforcement came to the property to address these issues at any time, these reports can prove helpful.
How to Evict a Tenant in New Hampshire
If you want to evict a tenant for any reason, then you need to understand the eviction process. Here’s how it works.
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Eviction laws are different in each state and can also vary at the city level. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with local laws before taking any action. Always ensure you have a legally valid reason for an eviction before giving notice. A qualified New Hampshire attorney can help review your case to determine if you do.
According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, New Hampshire law limits a security deposit to one month’s rent or $100, whichever is larger. This applies to landlords who own more than six units. The landlord must keep any security deposits in a special escrow account. As well, the tenant is legally entitled to a receipt for the deposit. Furthermore, if the deposit is held for more than 12 months, the landlord must pay the tenant at least the amount of interest they have earned on the money.
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
If you have tried to reason with your tenants and they continue to violate the terms of your lease, you should then provide them with a formal notice of eviction. Your eviction notice will serve as an ultimatum or final warning. It should explain how your tenant is in violation, as well as what they can do to stop the eviction process.
The eviction notice should include a deadline for the tenant to either pay rent or move out, and the amount the tenant owes. If you’re unsure of how to create an eviction notice, you can use online templates or seek legal advice.
If a New Hampshire tenant has not paid rent, the landlord must make a written Demand for Rent before issuing the Notice to Quit. New Hampshire law dictates that the Notice to Quit must then explain the tenant’s right to defeat eviction by paying the rent owed plus $15 before seven days are up. Be aware, all other grounds for eviction require 30 days’ notice. The landlord may not move a tenant’s belongings out or turn off the utilities. If the Court awards a Writ of Possession to the landlord, it is the County Sheriff who may remove property. Keep in mind, a landlord cannot evict a tenant for reporting a housing code violation, lawfully withholding rent, or organizing other tenants.
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
You must file the eviction notice with the court within a few days. The court will then set a hearing date and will notify the tenant of the hearing by a summons. In New Hampshire, the Circuit Court has jurisdiction over eviction cases. Specifically, the District Division of the Circuit Court handles landlord and tenant disputes.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced New Hampshire Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
You should find an attorney as soon as possible to help you prepare for the hearing. Then, when you go to the hearing, you should bring the following documents:
- Lease agreements
- Records of payments
- Bounced checks
- Record of communication between you and the tenant
- Record of the eviction notice
- Proof that the tenant received the notice
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
If you’ve won the hearing, your tenant will have time to move out of your property. The amount of time allowed is dependent on the state, but it typically ranges from 48 hours to one week. If the tenant refuses to leave, you can contact New Hampshire law enforcement to forcibly remove them from the property.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
If your tenant owes you rent money, you may still have a long fight ahead to collect past-due payments. You can try to collect these payments through a number of methods:
- Hiring a private debt collector
- Garnishing their tax refunds
- Garnishing their wages
- Taking the case to small claims court
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in New Hampshire
The tenant will likely try to argue that you did not follow proper procedures for providing an eviction notice. Having a qualified New Hampshire attorney on your side can take the pressure off your back, and help ensure a victory in court. We can even help you connect with an attorney across New Hampshire state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
