New Hampshire Security Deposit Law
New Hampshire rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. RSA 540-A:6, I(a)
The rules in New Hampshire
| Security deposit limit | One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. Deposit rules do not cover a person who rents out a single-family home and owns no other rental property, or who rents units in an owner-occupied building of 5 or fewer units, except for units occupied by someone 60 or older (RSA 540-A:5, https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-5.htm). Landlord must give a signed receipt stating the amount and where the deposit is held (not required if paid by check), and tell the tenant to note conditions needing repair within 5 days of occupancy. Deposit is held in trust, not commingled; may instead post a bond with the city/town clerk. Source: RSA 540-A:6, I(a) |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Deposits and interest left unclaimed 6 months after the tenancy ends become the landlord's property absent fraud; landlord is not liable if the tenant failed to give a forwarding address (RSA 540-A:8, II). Source: RSA 540-A:7, I |
| Itemized deductions | Yes. Written, itemized list of damages beyond reasonable wear and tear, describing each repair with satisfactory evidence it was or will be done (receipts, estimates, invoices); unpaid rent or other charges must be itemized with the period covered. Source: RSA 540-A:7 |
| Interest on deposits | Required if the landlord holds the deposit for 1 year or more: interest at the rate paid on regular savings accounts at the NH bank, savings and loan, or credit union where it is held (actual interest earned, pro-rated, if deposits are pooled). Tenant may request accrued interest every 3 years (request 30 days before the end of that tenancy year; landlord pays within 15 days after the year ends). On request the landlord must disclose the institution, account number, amount and rate. Source: RSA 540-A:6, IV |
| Penalty for withholding | Landlord who fails to return the deposit/interest or itemize as required is liable for twice the amount of the deposit plus any interest due, less amounts already paid and lawful deductions. Violations of the cap, receipt and trust/bond rules (RSA 540-A:6, I-III) are deemed Consumer Protection Act violations under RSA 358-A:2. Lease waivers of these rights are void. Source: RSA 540-A:8, I |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
Templates
Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
New Hampshire vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. RSA 540-A:6, I(a) | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. RSA 540-A:7, I | Yes. Written, itemized list of damages beyond reasonable wear and tear, describing each repair with satisfactory evidence it was or will be done (receipts, estimates, invoices); unpaid rent or other charges must be itemized with the period covered. RSA 540-A:7 |
| Maine | 2 months' rent 14 M.R.S. § 6032 | Written rental agreement: within the time stated in the agreement, which may not exceed 30 days. Tenancy at will: 21 days after termination or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whichever is later. 14 M.R.S. § 6033(2) | If any part is withheld, the landlord must give a written statement itemizing the reasons for retention and return the balance within the § 6033 deadline. Normal wear and tear may not be deducted. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the requirement. 14 M.R.S. § 6033(1)-(2) |
| Massachusetts | Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent. At or before the start of a tenancy a landlord (or the landlord's agent) may require only: first full month's rent, last full month's rent (at the same rate as the first), a security deposit of up to one month's rent, and the purchase and installation cost of a new lock and key. No other upfront charges (e.g., application, pet, or landlord-side broker fees) are allowed. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(b) | 30 days after the tenancy ends (end of a tenancy at will or end of the lease term). The landlord must return the deposit, or whatever balance remains, with any accrued interest. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4) | To keep any part of the deposit for damage, the landlord must give the tenant, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, an itemized list of the damage. The list must be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, describe the damage and repairs in precise detail, and include written evidence such as estimates, bills, invoices, or receipts. G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(iii) |
| Vermont | No statutory cap. 9 V.S.A. 4461 | Within 14 days from the date the landlord learns the tenant vacated (or from the move-out date if the tenant gave notice of it); 60 days for seasonal rentals not intended as a primary residence. 9 V.S.A. 4461(c) | Required: written itemized statement of the reasons for any amount withheld, sent with any balance within 14 days. 9 V.S.A. 4461(c) |
More New Hampshire rental law
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- New Hampshire Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
- Breaking a Lease in New Hampshire
- Squatters' Rights in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Rental Fee Rules
- New Hampshire Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- New Hampshire Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- New Hampshire Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- New Hampshire Landlord Selling the House
- New Hampshire Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
- New Hampshire Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All New Hampshire landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in New Hampshire
Compare security deposits in all 50 states and DC →
New Hampshire Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Hampshire?
One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. (RSA 540-A:6, I(a))
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Hampshire?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. (RSA 540-A:7, I)
Does a landlord in New Hampshire have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
Yes. Written, itemized list of damages beyond reasonable wear and tear, describing each repair with satisfactory evidence it was or will be done (receipts, estimates, invoices); unpaid rent or other charges must be itemized with the period covered. (RSA 540-A:7)
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in New Hampshire?
Required if the landlord holds the deposit for 1 year or more: interest at the rate paid on regular savings accounts at the NH bank, savings and loan, or credit union where it is held (actual interest earned, pro-rated, if deposits are pooled). (RSA 540-A:6, IV)
What happens if a landlord in New Hampshire wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
Landlord who fails to return the deposit/interest or itemize as required is liable for twice the amount of the deposit plus any interest due, less amounts already paid and lawful deductions. (RSA 540-A:8, I)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.