NH · TenantClaim
New Hampshire Security Deposit Return Laws & Calculator
Landlords generally have 30 calendar days to return a deposit under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Section 540-A:7. Use the calculator to check overdue status and estimated recovery.
New Hampshire deposit calculator
Statutory math from New Hampshire Revised Statutes Section 540-A:7.
Ready to Calculate Your Rights
Enter your lease dates and deposit amounts to instantly evaluate:
- State statutory return deadline & overdue status
- Treble (3x) or double (2x) bad-faith penalty eligibility
- Small claims court limit & demand letter generation
Bad-faith penalties
A landlord who fails to return a deposit or provide the required written accounting within 30 days may be liable for actual damages plus up to twice the amount of the deposit (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:8).
Multiplier: 2x
Wear and tear vs. unlawful deductions
Normal Wear & Tear
Landlord cannot deduct
- Faded or scuffed interior paint from ordinary occupancy in New Hampshire
- Carpet wear or flattening in high-traffic pathways from normal foot traffic
- Small nail or pin holes from hanging pictures or curtains
Unlawful Deductions
These charges are illegal
- Charging for ordinary wear and tear instead of damage beyond normal use under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Section 540-A:7
- Keeping any part of the deposit without sending the required itemized statement within 30 calendar days
- Deducting for conditions that existed before move-in or that the landlord was obligated to repair
Small claims court filing limits
$10,000
Claims above this New Hampshire ceiling may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction to stay in small claims.
View Full New Hampshire Small Claims Court & Official Form GuideNew Hampshire security deposit FAQ
How long does a New Hampshire landlord have to return my deposit?+
New Hampshire generally requires return within 30 calendar days after move-out under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Section 540-A:7. If the deadline falls on a weekend, TenantClaim rolls it to the next Monday.
What happens if the landlord keeps my deposit in bad faith?+
A landlord who fails to return a deposit or provide the required written accounting within 30 days may be liable for actual damages plus up to twice the amount of the deposit (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:8).
What is the New Hampshire small claims limit?+
Most tenants can file in small claims court for up to $10,000. Larger recoveries may need District or Civil Court, or a voluntary reduction of the claim.
Does the landlord have to send an itemized list?+
Yes. New Hampshire requires an itemized deduction statement. Withholding money without that statement is a common unlawful deduction.