Updated for 2026

New Hampshire Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

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

New Hampshire landlords have 30 days after the tenant moves out or the lease ends (whichever is later) to return the security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.

Q: What is the maximum security deposit in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire limits security deposits to 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. This unusual floor means even very low-rent tenants can be charged at least $100.

Q: What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in New Hampshire?

For willful violations, tenants can recover up to 3x the damages plus court costs and attorney fees under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7.

Q: Does New Hampshire require interest on security deposits?

Not by default. However, if the deposit is held for 1 year or longer, the landlord must keep it in an interest-bearing account. The interest belongs to the tenant.

Q: How do I get my security deposit back in New Hampshire?

Document the unit at move-out with photos and video. Provide your forwarding address. If the landlord doesn't return the deposit within 30 days, send a demand letter citing N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7 and file in small claims court (limit: $10,000).

New Hampshire gives landlords 30 days to return your deposit. The cap is 1 month's rent or $100 (whichever is greater), and willful violations carry a penalty of up to 3x damages plus court costs and attorney fees. Deposits held over a year must earn interest.

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New Hampshire Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline

30 Days

Maximum Deposit

1 Mo. Rent or $100

Whichever is greater

Penalty for Late Return

Up to 3×

+ court costs + attorney fees (willful)

Interest Required

Conditional

Required if held 1+ year

Applicable Law

N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6 & § 540-A:7

Unusual Deposit Minimum + Conditional Interest: New Hampshire has a $100 floor on security deposits — even if 1 month's rent is less than $100, the landlord can still charge $100. Additionally, if your deposit is held for 1 year or longer, the landlord must keep it in an interest-bearing account. If they don't, this strengthens your case for willful violation and the 3x penalty.

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New Hampshire Security Deposit Law — Explained

The 30-Day Return Deadline

Under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates or the lease terminates, whichever is later. The landlord must either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions with receipts or estimates for each charge.

The $100 Floor on Deposits

New Hampshire's deposit cap is unique: landlords can charge up to 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. This means even if you're renting a room for $80/month, the landlord can still collect a $100 deposit. For most renters, the effective cap is 1 month's rent, but the $100 minimum is an unusual provision worth knowing about.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

New Hampshire landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord must provide an itemized list of all deductions within the 30-day window. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant.

Conditional Interest Requirement

New Hampshire doesn't require interest on deposits by default. However, if the deposit is held for 1 year or longer, the landlord must place it in an interest-bearing account. The interest earned belongs to the tenant. If a landlord fails to comply with this requirement, it can be used as evidence of willful violation, potentially triggering the 3x penalty.

Strong Penalty for Willful Violations

If a landlord willfully violates the deposit return rules, tenants can recover up to 3x the damages plus court costs and attorney fees. This is one of the stronger penalty structures in New England. The key word is "willful" — tenants who can demonstrate the landlord knowingly withheld the deposit without justification have the strongest claims.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

1
Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease, receipts, and all communications.
2
Provide your forwarding address in writing This ensures the landlord knows where to send the deposit and starts the 30-day clock.
3
Send a formal demand letter after 30 days Use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7. Send via certified mail.
4
File in small claims court New Hampshire's small claims limit is $10,000. If the landlord acted willfully, you can recover up to 3x damages plus court costs and attorney fees.

New Hampshire Security Deposit FAQ

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

New Hampshire landlords have 30 days after the tenant moves out or the lease ends to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.

What is the maximum security deposit in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire limits deposits to 1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater.

What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in New Hampshire?

For willful violations: up to 3x damages plus court costs and attorney fees.

Does New Hampshire require interest on security deposits?

Not by default. However, if the deposit is held for 1 year or longer, the landlord must keep it in an interest-bearing account.

How do I get my security deposit back in New Hampshire?

Document the unit, provide your forwarding address, wait 30 days, send a demand letter citing N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7, and file in small claims court (limit: $10,000) if unresolved.

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