Renter's Vault
New Hampshire Security Deposit Law: How to Get Your Deposit Back
If you rent in New Hampshire, the law gives you specific rights when you move out — a deadline for your landlord to return your deposit, rules on deductions, and a path to push back if they don't. Here's exactly how it works, and how to protect yourself.
New Hampshire-specific rules to know
Deposit capped at 1 month's rent. Return within 30 days. Interest required only if deposit held 1+ year (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6). Bad-faith retention: 2× deposit + interest (not treble) per § 540-A:8.
What New Hampshire law requires your landlord to do
Under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7, a New Hampshire landlord generally must return your deposit within 30 days and provide a written, itemized list of any amounts withheld. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear — only for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and statute allow.
What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit in New Hampshire
1. Know your deadline
In New Hampshire, the return window is 30 days (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7). Mark the date you moved out and count forward.
2. Send a written demand
Email and mail a dated letter requesting your full deposit, referencing the 30-day deadline under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7. Keep proof of delivery. Renter's Vault generates a New Hampshire-specific letter with the right statute citation filled in.
3. Gather your evidence
Move-in and move-out photos with timestamps and location are the difference between your word and theirs. Attach your photo record and any move-in checklist.
4. Escalate to small claims
If the landlord misses the deadline or won't respond, you can file in small claims court. Bring your dated demand letter and photo evidence.
Free New Hampshire dispute-letter guide
A clear, statute-cited demand letter resolves most deposit disputes without ever going to court. Renter's Vault builds a New Hampshire letter for you — pre-filled with N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7, your deadline, and your deductions — in three escalating versions (first request, formal demand, and notice of intent to file).
Get the New Hampshire letter in the appDocument your rental the day you move in — timestamped, GPS-tagged, hash-verified photos stored in your own Google Drive. The strongest deposit defense is evidence you captured before anything went wrong.
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New Hampshire security deposit FAQ
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Hampshire?
Under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7, a New Hampshire landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in New Hampshire?
Send a written demand letter that cites N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7 and the deadline, keep copies of all communication and your move-in/move-out photos, and if that fails you can file in small claims court. Many states allow extra damages when a landlord withholds a deposit in bad faith.
Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, the statutory deposit limit is: 1 month of rent. Always confirm against the current statute, since limits and exceptions change.
Are there any special deposit rules in New Hampshire?
Yes. Notable New Hampshire rules: Deposit capped at 1 month's rent. Return within 30 days. Interest required only if deposit held 1+ year (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6). Bad-faith retention: 2× deposit + interest (not treble) per § 540-A:8.
This page is general information for tenants, not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm the current text of N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7 or consult a local attorney or tenants' rights organization for your situation. Last reviewed May 2026.