If you need a New Hampshire security deposit demand letter, start here.
The important thing: a demand letter is one step in the process. Timing, possession proof, interest, written itemization, repair evidence, coverage facts, and follow-up are what make the letter stronger.
When to Use This Letter
Use this letter if:
- you rented in New Hampshire
- your tenancy ended
- you delivered possession back to the landlord
- the New Hampshire 30-day deadline has passed
- your landlord has not returned the required deposit balance, interest due, or a compliant written itemized statement
- you want to make a clear written request before taking the next step
Sample Security Deposit Demand Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Current Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord's Name]
[Landlord's Address]
Re: Security Deposit for [Rental Address]
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I am writing regarding the security deposit for the rental property at [Rental Address].
My tenancy terminated on [Termination Date], and I delivered possession on [Possession Date].
Under New Hampshire law, the landlord generally must return the security deposit and any interest due within 30 days after the tenancy terminates. If deductions are claimed, the landlord should provide a written itemized statement and evidence supporting covered deductions.
That deadline has now passed, and I have not received the full security deposit / interest due / a compliant written itemized statement and refund balance.
Please return the amount due from my security deposit within 5 business days of receiving this letter.
Please send any payment and correspondence to the address listed above.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why the Demand Letter Is Only One Step
The letter matters because it creates a clear record.
But the letter is stronger when it fits into a sequence:
- Step 1 documents move-out, possession, condition, and forwarding address before the problem starts
- Step 2 sends the first clear demand after the New Hampshire deadline passes
- Step 3 follows up with the deadline, interest issue, itemization, repair-evidence requirement, deduction limits, coverage facts, and records
- Step 4 makes a final demand before deciding whether to file
If the landlord fails to comply with New Hampshire's deposit rule, you could win twice the deposit amount plus applicable interest, less lawful charges, along with attorney's fees and costs. That is leverage. The point is to show the 30-day deadline, interest issue, itemization problem, repair-evidence gap, coverage facts, deduction issue, and amount owed clearly before you escalate.
You can use the free sample above. The paid system gives you all four New Hampshire steps in order, with timing and follow-up already organized.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- filing a 540-A petition for a deposit-return claim instead of looking at small claims
- ignoring coverage issues
- ignoring the written itemization and repair-evidence requirement
- ignoring interest if the deposit was held long enough
- treating reasonable wear and tear as deductible damage
- sending a long emotional message instead of a clear request
Keep it short. Keep it factual.