Security Deposit Not Returned in New Hampshire: What Can I Do?
This page is about getting your security deposit back in New Hampshire. It covers who the deposit rules reach and what to do when you move out. It also covers what your landlord may take out and what you can ask a court for.
-
New Hampshire's deposit rules do not treat every owner as a "landlord". A person who rents a single-family home and owns no other rental property is not a landlord under these rules. A person who rents units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or less is not one either. Any unit in such a building that is occupied by someone 60 years of age or older is covered.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
-
In New Hampshire, a security deposit means all money you pay your landlord beyond the monthly rent, for any purpose.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
-
Your landlord is not liable if the landlord misses a New Hampshire deposit rule because you did not give your new address. The landlord also does not lose any rights. The address is due when your tenancy (your time renting the home) ends. Give your new address in writing and keep a copy.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
-
Say you do not claim your deposit and the interest due on it. After 6 months from the end of your tenancy (your time renting the home), it becomes your landlord's property. You have no claim to it then, unless there was fraud.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
-
Your landlord must return your security deposit and pay the interest due, if any. The deadline is 30 days from the end of your tenancy (your time renting the home). You can ask for the interest earlier. Every 3 years, ask 30 days before that rental year ends. Your landlord must then comply within 15 days after that year ends.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
-
If the home has damage, your landlord may take the cost of repair out of your deposit. Reasonable wear and tear (the normal wearing down from use) is not counted as damage.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
-
Your landlord must give you a written, itemized list (a list that names each item) of any damage the landlord says you must pay for. The list must say in detail what repair is needed. It must also give satisfactory evidence that the repair has been or will be completed.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
-
If your landlord keeps money from your deposit for repairs, the landlord must show proof. The proof must show the repair is done or will be done. Proof can be receipts for repair parts, work estimates, or bills that show the cost. Other proof can count too.
✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026
-
Your landlord may take unpaid rent out of your deposit. The landlord may take other lawful charges due under the lease that remain unpaid. The landlord may take a share of a real estate tax increase. That applies if your lease says you pay it and it comes due during the lease. The landlord must give you a written, itemized list (a list that names each item). It must show in detail the period the claim covers.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
-
If your deposit or your landlord's written list does not come, write to your landlord and ask for them. Keep a copy of the letter, and keep any photos you took when you moved out.
-
A landlord who does not follow the deposit interest rules or the deposit return rules is liable to you for twice a sum. The sum is your deposit plus any interest due. Take off any payments made and any charges you owe for damage, unpaid rent, or a share of real estate taxes. For example, with a $1,000 deposit and $20 interest, no payments and no charges owed, twice $1,020 is $2,040. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.
✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026
Is something on this page wrong or out of date? Tell us.