NH HB1598

Creates an expedited eviction procedure allowing landlords to pursue faster evictions when the sole grounds are non-payment of rent or material breach of rental agreement affecting health, safety, or involving criminal activity

Requires a 5-day notice to quit (reduced from standard timeframes) with specific warning language in 14-point bold type informing tenants of the expedited process

Shortens tenant response deadlines to 3 days after service to file an answer, with automatic default and immediate writ of possession issued if tenant fails to respond

Limits hearing scope strictly to whether rent is owed or whether the alleged breach occurred; unrelated defenses may only be raised in separate civil proceedings

Prohibits stays of execution except when tenant pays all arrears plus costs within 48 hours of judgment; execution may occur 24 hours after writ issuance unless tenant posts a bond equal to 2 months' rent

Estimated fiscal impact of $50,000-$250,000 in FY 2027 and $100,000-$500,000 annually thereafter for new forms, procedures, training, and staffing; effective January 1, 2027