Giving notice is the first step in the eviction process. In the case of a tenant who has violated the lease by not paying rent on time, the landlord may, under New Hampshire state law, serve this Demand for Rent notice. This notice gives the tenant 7 days to pay the back rent or face eviction actions by the landlord.
The Demand for Rent may be used at any time after the rent was due. This form must be downloaded and filled out by the landlord. Be sure that the tenant name, address and other information is accurate and matches the lease agreement. Specify the amount of rent owed and the period of time for which the rent is due. The bottom section of the form must be filled out by the person who will serve the notice on the tenant. The Demand for Rent notice may be served in person. It also may be left at the rental unit if it is known that the tenant is still living there, or at an address where the tenant is known to live. If the rental is a commercial property, the notice may be served at the property but a copy of the notice must also be mailed by certified mail to the tenant’s last known address.
Make copies of the Demand for Rent notice for your records and to have available for any future legal action.
While some states require that a landlord wait until the late rent notice deadline passes before taking eviction action, New Hampshire landlord tenant law allows landlords to issue an eviction notice at the same time that they serve the Demand for Rent notice. (See New Hampshire Eviction Notice.) However, if the tenant makes payment on past-due rent, then that payment will stop an eviction.
For more information on New Hampshire landlord tenant guidelines, go to http://www.courts.state.nh.us/district/landlord.htm