Cure or Quit Notice Rights for New Hampshire Renters

Evictions & Lease Violations New Hampshire published: June 21, 2025 Flag of New Hampshire

Receiving a notice from your landlord can be stressful, especially if it threatens eviction. If you're renting in New Hampshire and have been given a 'cure or quit' notice, it's important to understand what it means and how you should respond under state law. This guide breaks down your rights, what steps you can take, and where to find official resources.

What Is a Cure or Quit Notice?

A cure or quit notice is a formal written warning from your landlord. It tells you that you’ve violated a condition of your lease (for example, unpaid rent, unauthorized pets, or noise complaints). The notice gives you a specific number of days to either ‘cure’ (fix the problem) or ‘quit’ (move out) before further eviction action can be started.

Key Facts About Cure or Quit Notices in New Hampshire

  • Most lease violations—except for serious ones, such as illegal activity—require a cure or quit notice before moving to eviction.
  • Landlords must give at least seven days’ written notice for nonpayment of rent or most lease violations (RSA 540:2).
  • If you fix the problem within the notice period, the landlord cannot evict you for that reason (except for certain repeat or severe violations).
  • No official state form is provided—landlords typically write their own notice, but they must include specific details (see below).

What Does a Proper Cure or Quit Notice Include?

By law, the notice must be in writing and include:

  • Your name and the property address
  • The violation and date it happened
  • The option to fix the issue (if allowed)
  • The deadline to cure or vacate (usually at least seven days from delivery)
  • The landlord’s name and contact information

If the notice is missing these elements, it may not be valid. You have the right to contest an improper notice in court.

Examples and Actions for Renters

  • Example 1: Nonpayment of Rent
    A renter falls behind on rent. The landlord must serve a seven-day demand for rent or eviction, giving the tenant one last chance to pay in full before court action. This written notice must meet legal standards.
  • Example 2: Lease Violation
    A tenant keeps a pet in a pet-free building. The landlord must deliver a written notice specifying the violation and allowing seven days to remove the pet or move out.

If you fix the problem (pay rent, remove the pet, etc.) within the notice period, keep proof, such as receipts or written communication.

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Steps to Take If You Receive a Cure or Quit Notice

  • Read the notice carefully to understand the violation and the cure deadline.
  • Contact your landlord to discuss possible solutions. Document all conversations.
  • If you believe the notice is incorrect or you need more time, seek legal help or contact New Hampshire Legal Assistance.
  • Keep copies of everything—letters, proof of payment, photos, etc.
  • If you cannot comply before the deadline, you may receive an eviction summons to appear in court.

Acting quickly is key to protecting your right to stay. In most cases, curing the violation within the notice window stops the eviction process under New Hampshire law.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

  • Demand for Rent (Eviction Notice) — Seven-Day Notice
    Form Name: There is no state-issued standard form, but landlords use written notices formatted to follow RSA 540:2.
    How Used: If you receive this, you have seven days to pay in full or vacate. Failure to comply means the landlord can file for eviction.
    See sample requirements: New Hampshire Judicial Branch Landlord and Tenant Resources.

The landlord files eviction paperwork with the New Hampshire Circuit Court: District Division if the issue is not resolved.

If you aren’t sure what to do after receiving a notice, don’t ignore it. Acting quickly—by paying overdue rent or resolving the violation—can preserve your housing rights.

Relevant State Laws and Tribunals Explained

These resources are the most direct and reliable for understanding your rights and next steps if facing a lease violation or eviction process in New Hampshire.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How many days do I have to respond to a cure or quit notice in New Hampshire?
    Most notices, including for nonpayment, give you 7 days to fix the violation or move out. Always check your notice for the specific deadline.
  2. If I pay overdue rent within the 7-day notice period, can I stop the eviction?
    Yes, if you pay in full (including all rent and other allowed charges) before the deadline, the landlord cannot proceed with eviction for that missed rent period.
  3. What should the cure or quit notice include to be valid?
    The notice must be in writing, specify your violation, describe how to fix it, state the timeline, and list landlord details. If any required information is missing, the notice may be invalid.
  4. Can I challenge a cure or quit notice in court?
    Yes. If you believe the notice was not served properly, is inaccurate, or you disagree with the violation, you can contest it at your eviction hearing in the New Hampshire Circuit Court.
  5. Where can I get help understanding or responding to a notice?
    Contact New Hampshire Legal Assistance or use the NH Judicial Branch Landlord/Tenant Resources for guidance.

Key Takeaways for New Hampshire Renters

  • Cure or quit notices give renters at least 7 days to fix a violation or move out.
  • Respond quickly, keep records, and seek support if you have questions or believe the notice is unfair.
  • The New Hampshire Circuit Court handles all formal eviction proceedings; state law offers important rights to cure most problems before eviction moves forward.

Prompt attention to any notice can help you stay housed and protect your rights as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. RSA 540:2 – Notice to Quit
  2. NH Judicial Branch – Landlord and Tenant
  3. RSA Chapter 540 – Actions Against Tenants

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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