N.H. Cir. Ct. Dist. Div. R. 5.5

A. If the defendant files an appearance in an action which has been docketed prior to service of process in accordance with Rule 5.3(A), the matter will be set for trial to occur within ten days following the date of the filing of the appearance. If (1) service of process occurs prior to the action being docketed, (2) the Court waives the violation of Rule 5.3(A) and allows the action to be docketed, and (3) the defendant files an appearance prior to the action being docketed, then trial will be scheduled to occur within ten days following the date of the docketing of the action.

B. If the plaintiff claims unpaid rent, and if the defendant files any claim or counterclaim which offsets or reduces the amount owed to the plaintiff, then any such claim or counterclaim must be filed on or before the RETURN DAY set forth in the Landlord and Tenant Writ and a copy thereof shall be mailed or delivered to the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney. No such claim or counterclaim shall be afterwards received except upon leave of Court for good cause shown and upon such terms as justice may require.

C. The Court may in all cases order either party to plead and also to file a statement in sufficient detail to give to the adverse party and to the Court, reasonable knowledge of the nature and grounds of the action or defense. Upon failure to comply with such order, the Court may take such action as justice may require.