Bill > HB1598

This bill creates an expedited eviction procedure that allows landlords to quickly remove tenants for two specific reasons: non-payment of rent or a material breach of a rental agreement that affects health, safety, or involves criminal activity. Under this new process, landlords must first serve tenants a 5-day notice with a bold, specific warning about the expedited action. If the tenant does not vacate or resolve the issue within 5 days, the landlord can file a court action marked "EXPEDITED" with a return day between 3-7 days after filing. Tenants will have only 3 days to file an answer after being served, and failure to do so results in an automatic default judgment. If an answer is filed, the court must hold a hearing within 7 days, but the hearing is strictly limited to verifying unpaid rent or confirming the material breach. The bill significantly restricts tenant defenses and allows for rapid execution of eviction, with writs of possession potentially being issued as soon as 24 hours after judgment, unless the tenant posts a bond equal to two months' rent. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and is expected to create additional administrative costs for the Judicial Branch ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 in the first year of implementation.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=2393&inflect=2