National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in New Hampshire?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in New Hampshire finish in about 3 to 5 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The New Hampshire eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    7 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    7-day eviction notice for nonpayment

    From our guide: “Sufficient for residential tenancies where the reason is nonpayment (II(a)), substantial damage (II(b)), health or safety behavior (II(d)), or the accused-perpetrator ground (II(h)).”

  2. 2Court case

    7 to 17 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Writ returnable in 7 days; hearing within 10 more if contested

    From our guide: “The writ is served by the sheriff and is returnable 7 days from the date of service.” and “the hearing is to be scheduled within 10 days after that filing”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    7 to 10 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Judgment final when 7-day appeal period expires

    From our guide: “The judgment becomes final when the 7-day appeal period expires” and “the court mails a notice of default at least 3 days before the writ of possession issues”

What can slow it down

  • Until October 8, 2026 a court may grant a discretionary stay of dispossession of up to 3 months even after a default; after that date the maximum stay drops to 60 days (75 with a special showing) and a default precludes any discretionary stay.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full New Hampshire eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

New Hampshire scores 7 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (balanced).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed New Hampshire attorney before acting.