New Hampshire Security Deposit Laws

New Hampshire caps security deposits at one month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater) and requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days with an itemized written statement of deductions.

Key Rules

Limit
1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater
Return Deadline
30 days after termination of tenancy
Itemization Required
Yes — written itemized statement of deductions required
Interest Required
Yes — for tenancies of 12 months or more, interest must be paid on deposit
Bad Faith Penalty
Tenant may recover the deposit plus costs for unlawful withholding

Applicable Statutes

Source confirmed . Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.

N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-A:6

Security deposit limit: maximum one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. Landlord must return deposit within 30 days of tenancy termination with itemized statement of deductions.

Source confirmed · Official state source

View archived excerpt
“…r to the tenant a signed receipt stating the amount of the deposit and specifying the place where the deposit or bond for the deposit pursuant to RSA 540-A:6, II(c) will be held, and shall notify the tenant that any conditions in the rental unit in need of repair or correction should be noted on the receip…”

Legal Aid Resources

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