New Hampshire Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
N.H. Rev. Stat. §540-A:6 to §540-A:8 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy or tenant vacating.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld under N.H. Rev. Stat. §540-A:8.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1 month rent or $100, whichever is greater
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $10,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord must hold deposit in a bank account separate from personal funds
- Landlord must provide receipt for deposit
- Deposit must be returned within 30 days with itemized deductions
What Your New Hampshire Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from New Hampshire's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
N.H. Rev. Stat. §540-A:6 to §540-A:8 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
double the amount wrongfully withheld — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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New Hampshire Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in New Hampshire?
Under N.H. Rev. Stat. §540-A:6 to §540-A:8, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy or tenant vacating to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my New Hampshire landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld under N.H. Rev. Stat. §540-A:8. You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in New Hampshire?
Under N.H. Rev. Stat. §540-A:6(I), the maximum security deposit in New Hampshire is 1 month rent or $100, whichever is greater.
Does my New Hampshire landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. New Hampshire law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire small claims court handles cases up to $10,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in New Hampshire?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a New Hampshire-specific demand letter citing N.H. Rev. Stat. §540-A:6 to §540-A:8 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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