New Hampshire · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

New Hampshire security deposit law

How much a landlord in New Hampshire can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

Short answer

In New Hampshire, the deposit limit is: One month's rent or $100, whichever is larger. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit with any interest owed, or the rest after allowed deductions.

deposit limit: 1 month's rent
to return a deposit: 30 days
deposit penalty: Up to 2×

We could not confirm all of New Hampshire's rules yet. Some facts on this page rest on limited sources. Check the official sources below, or ask legal aid, before you rely on them.

Security deposit in New Hampshire

Limit: One month's rent or $100, whichever is larger. A landlord may collect first month's rent with the deposit, but not first and last month's rent plus a deposit. Not covered by the deposit law: a single-family home whose landlord owns no other rental property; tenants under 60 in an owner-occupied building with fewer than six units; and vacation or business rentals.
Deadline to return it: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit with any interest owed, or the rest after allowed deductions. Tell the landlord your new address in writing within a reasonable time (best on or before move-out day); you need to do this to claim double damages.
Itemized list: Yes. An itemized list of damages that states the exact repairs needed and includes evidence that the repairs have been or will be done (for example receipts, invoices or labor estimates).
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent, the cost to repair damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by you or your guests, and your share of real-estate tax increases only if a written agreement requires it.
Interest: Yes, if the landlord holds the deposit for more than one year: you are owed the interest actually earned in the account where it is kept. Every three years you can ask for the interest (ask at least 30 days before the end of the three-year anniversary).
Separate account: The deposit is held in trust for you and may not be mixed with the landlord's own money (deposits of all tenants may be kept in one account). If you pay by cash or money order, the landlord must give a signed receipt saying which bank holds the deposit and that you have 5 days to give a list of existing damage.
Move-in checklist: You have 5 days after move-in to give the landlord a written list of defects and damage already in the unit. The landlord's receipt must tell you this. Keep a copy.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: You may sue for twice the amount of the deposit if the landlord fails to return it on time, fails to pay interest owed, or fails to follow the other deposit rules (per New Hampshire legal aid). You must have given your new address within a reasonable time.
Law: RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:8

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In New Hampshire: Tell the landlord your new address in writing within a reasonable time (best on or before move-out day); you need to do this to claim double damages.
Wait for the deadline: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit with any interest owed, or the rest after allowed deductions.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000 (claims over $5,000 must go to mediation first). Small claims court in New Hampshire on Small Claims Map

Deposit return calculator for New Hampshire

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Security deposit demand letter for New Hampshire

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Small claims court in New Hampshire

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $10,000 (claims over $5,000 must go to mediation first).

How to file in New Hampshire

Questions about security deposits in New Hampshire

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Hampshire?

One month's rent or $100, whichever is larger. A landlord may collect first month's rent with the deposit, but not first and last month's rent plus a deposit. Not covered by the deposit law: a single-family home whose landlord owns no other rental property; tenants under 60 in an owner-occupied building with fewer than six units; and vacation or business rentals.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Hampshire?

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit with any interest owed, or the rest after allowed deductions. Tell the landlord your new address in writing within a reasonable time (best on or before move-out day); you need to do this to claim double damages.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in New Hampshire?

You may sue for twice the amount of the deposit if the landlord fails to return it on time, fails to pay interest owed, or fails to follow the other deposit rules (per New Hampshire legal aid). You must have given your new address within a reasonable time.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in New Hampshire?

Unpaid rent, the cost to repair damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by you or your guests, and your share of real-estate tax increases only if a written agreement requires it.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in New Hampshire?

Yes, if the landlord holds the deposit for more than one year: you are owed the interest actually earned in the account where it is kept. Every three years you can ask for the interest (ask at least 30 days before the end of the three-year anniversary).

What is the small claims limit in New Hampshire?

$10,000 (claims over $5,000 must go to mediation first).

More for New Hampshire renters

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.