New Hampshire Security Deposit Deadline (30-Day Rule)
New Hampshire generally uses a 30-day rule for security deposits. The deadline gives you a clear timeline, but interest, itemization, repair evidence, and coverage facts can change how strong the claim is.
The deposit and any interest due are generally due within 30 days after the tenancy terminates. Interest can matter if the landlord held the deposit for more than one year.
What the Landlord Must Provide
If deductions are taken, the landlord should provide a written itemized statement.
For damage deductions, New Hampshire source materials require particularity about the repair and satisfactory evidence that repair has been or will be completed.
If you only get a vague number, a partial refund with no explanation, or no accounting at all, that is a problem.
What If the Deadline Is Missed?
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.
That makes the termination date, coverage, written itemization, repair evidence, lawful charges, and refund balance the facts to organize first.
Coverage Issues
New Hampshire's special security-deposit protections do not fit every rental arrangement.
Coverage can be different in some owner-occupied buildings and some single-family arrangements. If your rental is in one of those categories, focus first on the practical facts you can prove: the deposit amount, lease, tenancy end date, what the landlord kept, what explanation was given, and whether the charge is actually lawful.
What To Do Next
If the deadline has passed:
- confirm the termination date
- confirm possession delivery
- gather your lease, photos, messages, and forwarding-address proof
- review any deductions, interest, itemization, and repair evidence
- send a clear demand letter
Related Pages
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.