Eviction in Strafford County, New Hampshire

Where eviction cases are filed in Strafford County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Strafford County

Eviction court: NH Circuit Court, 7th Circuit - District Division (Dover and Rochester) — Circuit Court, District Division (landlord/tenant writ)
Notice before filing (state law): 7-day written eviction notice (plus a demand for rent), stating the reason with specificity and telling the tenant of the right to avoid eviction by paying arrears. New Hampshire rules
Renter households: 17,130 (33% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Strafford County

Eviction cases in Strafford County are heard by the NH Circuit Court, 7th Circuit - District Division (Dover and Rochester) (Circuit Court, District Division (landlord/tenant writ)).

Landlord/tenant (eviction) writs in Strafford County are handled by the 7th Circuit District Division courts in Dover and Rochester.

The New Hampshire eviction process

New Hampshire state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Strafford County:

Landlord serves a demand for rent (nonpayment cases) and a written eviction notice stating the reason with specificity (7 or 30 days depending on the ground; RSA 540:3, 540:5). Court forms are on the Judicial Branch site.
Optional: free pre-filing mediation through the court's Eviction Diversion Program.
After the notice period expires, landlord obtains a landlord-and-tenant writ of summons, served by the sheriff with a notice of tenant rights; returnable 7 days after service (RSA 540:13).
Tenant files an appearance by the return day; for cases under the Oct. 8, 2026 amendments, tenant must also file an answer within 5 days after the return date stating defenses/counterclaims. Failure to appear = default.
Hearing scheduled within 10 days after appearance (notice mailed at least 6 days before). Money claims in the case are capped at $1,500.
Judgment: if landlord prevails, judgment enters 7 days after the notice of decision; court may grant a discretionary stay (from Oct. 8, 2026: up to 60 days, or 75 in limited cases; tenant pays weekly rent in advance) (RSA 540:13-c).
Writ of possession issues; the sheriff removes the tenant (RSA 540:14). Tenant appeal requires notice of intent within 7 days and paying rent into court during the appeal.

Full New Hampshire eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Strafford County

Median gross rent in Strafford County: $1,488/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure follows state law. City rules, if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Strafford County

Free legal help

New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA) — Free civil legal aid focused on housing (including eviction) for people with low income and limited assets and adults 60+. Apply through 603 Legal Aid online or at 1 (800) 639-5290.

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Strafford County

Other New Hampshire counties

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Strafford County?

Eviction cases in Strafford County are filed with the NH Circuit Court, 7th Circuit - District Division (Dover and Rochester).

Where can I get help with an eviction in Strafford County?

New Hampshire Legal Assistance (NHLA).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.