How long does a landlord in New Hampshire have to return a security deposit?
30 calendar days after you move out
In plain terms, the statute says
Under RSA 540-A:8, I(b) a landlord who does not comply with the return and itemization duty of RSA 540-A:7, or with the interest duty of RSA 540-A:6, IV, is liable to the tenant in damages equal to twice the sum of the amount of the security deposit plus any interest due, less any payments made and any charges owing for damages, unpaid rent or the tenant's share of real estate taxes. The doubling is strict and needs no finding of bad faith or willfulness, but under RSA 540-A:8, II the landlord is not liable at all where the non-compliance is due to the tenant's failure to give a new address on termination.
Who this covers
The subdivision reaches only what RSA 540-A:5 defines in. A person who rents a single-family residence and owns no other rental property, and a person who rents units in an owner-occupied building of five units or less, are not a 'landlord' for these purposes — except as to any individual unit in such a building occupied by a person sixty years of age or older. A 'rental unit' must have full facilities for habitation including contiguous living, sleeping, kitchen and bathroom facilities, so a room whose occupant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the landlord falls outside the subdivision. Vacation and recreational rentals are excluded; manufactured housing and manufactured-housing-park space are included.
Read the law yourself
Where are you in this?
Have you moved out?
Questions people ask
How long does a landlord in New Hampshire have to return a security deposit?
New Hampshire: 30 calendar days after you move out.
Who does New Hampshire's security-deposit law cover?
The subdivision reaches only what RSA 540-A:5 defines in. A person who rents a single-family residence and owns no other rental property, and a person who rents units in an owner-occupied building of five units or less, are not a 'landlord' for these purposes — except as to any individual unit in such a building occupied by a person sixty years of age or older. A 'rental unit' must have full facilities for habitation including contiguous living, sleeping, kitchen and bathroom facilities, so a room whose occupant shares a kitchen or bathroom with the landlord falls outside the subdivision. Vacation and recreational rentals are excluded; manufactured housing and manufactured-housing-park space are included.
What happens if a landlord in New Hampshire is late?
Under RSA 540-A:8, I(b) a landlord who does not comply with the return and itemization duty of RSA 540-A:7, or with the interest duty of RSA 540-A:6, IV, is liable to the tenant in damages equal to twice the sum of the amount of the security deposit plus any interest due, less any payments made and any charges owing for damages, unpaid rent or the tenant's share of real estate taxes. The doubling is strict and needs no finding of bad faith or willfulness, but under RSA 540-A:8, II the landlord is not liable at all where the non-compliance is due to the tenant's failure to give a new address on termination.
Where can I read New Hampshire's security-deposit law?
New Hampshire's rule is in N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-A:7. The link on this page goes to the official text, so you can read the section yourself rather than take our word for it.
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