Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in New Hampshire

New Hampshire: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the end of the tenancy. Interest: conditional. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): 2x the amount withheld. (N.H. RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:8)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, real estate tax increase, other lease obligations. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: Conditional.
Penalty: 2x the amount withheld if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed).
Deposit cap: 1 month(s) of rent (One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater.).
Who it covers: Exempt landlords: a person renting one single-family residence who owns no other rental property, or units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or fewer, except units occupied by a person 60 or older (540-A:5, I).

The rule text

Except as provided in RSA 540-A:6, IV(c), a landlord shall return a security deposit to a tenant and pay the interest due, if any, within 30 days from the termination of the tenancy.

N.H. RSA 540-A:7, I. Source: N.H. RSA 540-A:7 Return of Security Deposit, read 2026-10-09.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: N.H. RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:8 (New Hampshire)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Interest credited                                 see note
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- The itemized list must state with particularity the repair needed and give 'satisfactory evidence' that it has been or will be completed, e.g. receipts for materials, labor estimates, bills or invoices (540-A:7, I).
- Interest: The rate paid on regular savings accounts at the NH institution holding the deposit (actual earnings pro rata if pooled), from receipt of the deposit. The tenant may request accrued interest every 3 years (540-A:6, IV(c)).
- Itemized under N.H. RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:8.

Settle a deposit in New Hampshire

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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