TITLE LV
PROCEEDINGS IN SPECIAL CASES
CHAPTER 540
ACTIONS AGAINST TENANTS
Section 540:13 540:13 Writ; Service; Discovery; Record; Default. –
I. A writ of summons may be issued, returnable before a district court, setting forth in substance that the plaintiff is entitled to the possession of the demanded premises, and that the defendant is in possession thereof without right, after notice in writing, to quit the same at a day named therein.
II. The writ shall be accompanied by a notice from the district court, printed in no smaller than 12-point type, informing the tenant that:
(a) If the tenant wishes to contest the eviction, he must file an appearance in the district court no later than the return day appearing on the writ.
(b) The tenant shall not be evicted unless the court so orders; however, such an order may be granted if the tenant does not file an appearance.
(c) At the time the tenant files his appearance, he may request that the court make a sound recording of the eviction hearing by checking an appropriate box on the appearance form.
(d) If the tenant wishes to appeal the district court's decision, he must:
(1) File a notice of intent to appeal with the district court within 7 days of the notice of the district's decision; and
(2) File a notice of appeal in the supreme court within 30 days of the notice of the district court's decision; and
(3) Pay all rent, as it comes due, between the date of the notice of intent to appeal the district court's decision and the final disposition of the appeal.