N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540: § 540:14
Judgment.
Operative Text
I. If the defendant makes default, or if on trial it is considered by the court that the plaintiff has sustained its complaint, judgment shall be rendered that the plaintiff recover possession of the demanded premises and costs, and a writ of possession shall issue. In cases based on nonpayment of rent, the court shall state the actual amount of the tenant's current weekly rent or, if rent is not paid on a weekly basis, the equivalent weekly rent amount, which must be paid into the court if an appeal is taken pursuant to RSA 540:20 and 540:25. The judgment may be enforced, at the sole discretion of the plaintiff, either by directing the sheriff to serve the writ of possession or by seeking judicial relief against the defendant for civil contempt. A writ of possession shall authorize the sheriff to remove the defendant from the premises. II. Whenever the tenant successfully raises the defense of retaliation pursuant to RSA 540:13-a, damages of not more than 3 months' rent may be awarded to the tenant. III. If the plaintiff makes a successful claim for unpaid rent as well as possession, or the defendant makes a successful counterclaim, the court shall issue a money judgment at the same time that it makes its ruling regarding possession of the premises. IV. If the court renders judgment against any one tenant or member of a multiperson household pursuant to RSA 540:2, VII(d), the court shall specify in its order that the writ of possession shall only be used to remove the tenant or household member against whom the judgment issued, and that the other tenants or household members may remain in residence. V. No delay of service by the sheriff shall later invalidate a writ of possession that was valid when the plaintiff directed the sheriff to serve it.
New Hampshire Revised Statutes § 540:14 governs the judgments a court may issue in eviction proceedings. If a landlord prevails—whether by the tenant's default or after a trial—the court issues a judgment for possession and a writ of possession authorizing the sheriff to remove the tenant; in rent-nonpayment cases, the court must also state the equivalent weekly rent amount that must be deposited if the tenant appeals. Conversely, if a tenant successfully raises a retaliation defense, the court may award the tenant up to three months' rent in damages. The statute also addresses money judgments for unpaid rent, targeted writs affecting only specific household members in certain cases, and the continuing validity of a writ even if the sheriff delays service.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 540:14, a landlord who obtains a judgment for possession has flexibility in how that judgment is enforced—either by directing the sheriff to serve the writ of possession or by pursuing civil contempt through the court. Compliant operators in nonpayment cases are aware that the court will calculate and record the tenant's equivalent weekly rent, which becomes the deposit amount required if the tenant appeals under RSA 540:20 and 540:25. When a case involves only one member of a multiperson household under RSA 540:2, VII(d), operators should understand that § 540:14 limits the writ's reach to that individual, leaving other occupants undisturbed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 540:14 provides tenants with important procedural protections in eviction proceedings, including the right to raise a retaliation defense under RSA 540:13-a, which—if successful—can result in a damages award of up to three months' rent in the tenant's favor. Tenants in nonpayment cases who wish to appeal should be aware that § 540:14 requires the court to state the equivalent weekly rent amount, which must be paid into the court as a condition of pursuing an appeal under RSA 540:20 and 540:25. Tenants facing eviction may benefit from contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand how these judgment rules apply to their circumstances, including whether a retaliation or counterclaim defense might be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 20, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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