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

New Hampshire law gives landlords 30 days to return the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions, under N.H. RSA 540-A:7 (return of deposit); RSA 540-A:8 (remedies).

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

Under N.H. RSA 540-A:7 (return of deposit); RSA 540-A:8 (remedies), allowed deductions generally include costs of repairing damages to the premises excluding reasonable wear and tear, supported by evidence of actual or estimated cost and unpaid rent. Normal wear and tear is not deductible.

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New Hampshire security deposit law

Security Deposit Laws in New Hampshire

Your landlord has 30 days under New Hampshire law to return your security deposit, or you may be owed more than what they withheld. If they keep more than they're legally allowed, you can dispute it.

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When did you move out?

This is the one that matters. Your clock starts the day you handed back the keys — not the day your landlord replies.

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New Hampshire security deposit return timeline

Deadline to return

30 days

Statute

N.H. RSA 540-A:7 (return of deposit); RSA 540-A:8 (remedies)

Except as provided in RSA 540-A:6, IV(c), the landlord shall return the deposit and pay any interest due within 30 DAYS from the termination of the tenancy. For damage deductions the landlord must provide a written, ITEMIZED list of damages claimed, indicating WITH PARTICULARITY the nature of any repair necessary and satisfactory evidence that the repair has been or will be completed — receipts for purchased materials, labor estimates, bills or invoices showing actual or estimated cost. For unpaid rent, the tenant's share of real estate tax increases, or other lawful charges, a SEPARATE written itemized list is required indicating with particularity the period claimed. CONDITION THAT DEFEATS THE CLAIM ENTIRELY: under RSA 540-A:8, II the landlord is not liable and forfeits no rights if the failure to comply is due to the TENANT'S failure to notify the landlord of the new address upon termination. HARD CUTOFF: deposits plus interest unclaimed 6 MONTHS after termination become the landlord's property free and clear of any tenant claim, absent fraud.

What can a landlord legally deduct in New Hampshire?

Allowed

✓Costs of repairing damages to the premises excluding reasonable wear and tear, supported by evidence of actual or estimated cost
✓Unpaid rent
✓The tenant's share of any increase in real estate taxes where the lease requires it
✓Other lawful charges due under the lease that remain unpaid

Not allowed

✗Reasonable wear and tear

What if your landlord keeps your deposit wrongfully in New Hampshire?

Under RSA 540-A:8, I(b), a landlord who does not comply with RSA 540-A:6, IV or RSA 540-A:7 is liable in damages equal to TWICE (2x) THE SUM OF the amount of the security deposit PLUS any interest due, LESS any payments made and any charges owing for damages, unpaid rent, or share of real estate taxes. The 2x applies to the NET figure after lawful offsets, not the gross deposit. Under RSA 540-A:8, III, any lease provision purporting to waive the tenant's rights under this subdivision is VOID.

How TenantNex helps

1. Tell us your move-out date, deposit amount, and landlord's address — two minutes.
2. We generate a demand letter citing N.H. RSA 540-A:7 (return of deposit); RSA 540-A:8 (remedies) and your exact deadline.
3. We mail it to your landlord via USPS Certified Mail with return receipt.
4. You track delivery on your case page, with day-7 and day-14 follow-up.

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New Hampshire tenant rights resources

HUD — tenant rights and resources
Find your state's consumer protection / Attorney General office
Key statute: N.H. RSA 540-A:7 (return of deposit); RSA 540-A:8 (remedies) — verified against the official text on 2026-09-04.

Every fact on this page is verified against New Hampshire's official statutory text as of 2026-09-04. TenantNex is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. For complex disputes, consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.

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Your money is due back

30 days

New Hampshire law sets this deadline — your landlord must return your deposit or itemize deductions by then.

If they wrongfully withhold

up to 2× your deposit

Add your deposit amount above for the exact figure.

N.H. RSA 540-A:7 (return of deposit); RSA 540-A:8 (remedies) — verified against the official statute 2026-09-04

Your 30 days started the day you moved out — that clock is running right now whether or not your landlord acts, and the 2× penalty only exists if you demanded it in writing before it closed.

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We don't stop at mailing it. If your landlord doesn't respond, we follow up at day 7 and day 14 — and help you build the evidence and paperwork for small claims if it comes to that. Real result: we helped Kathleen A. (Ohio) recover her full $3,000 deposit this way.

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Option	Price	Effort	Follow-up
Do it yourself	—	All of it	You chase
TenantNex	$39	Done for you	We chase
Small-claims services	$149–448	—	—
Hire an attorney	$300–2,000+	—	—

An attorney starts at $300. Filing services charge $149 for the letter alone. We prepare the whole claim for $39.

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$39

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We run your claim until you are paid — or you are ready to file.

Step 1 — certified demand letter citing your state statute, deadline and penalty
Mailed USPS Certified with return receipt, tracked to your landlord’s door
Step 2 — day-14 notice of intent to file, the one most landlords act on
Step 3 — your small-claims packet: the right form for your county, filled in
Where to file, what it costs, and how to serve your landlord
Evidence checklist, with your certified receipt as Exhibit A
Counter-response letter if your landlord disputes or underpays
Attorney referral if it is still unresolved after 21 days

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What TenantNex is — and isn't

TenantNex is not a law firm. We prepare and send correspondence using publicly available state statutes. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or guarantee any outcome. For complex legal matters, consult a licensed attorney in your state.