New Hampshire Deposit return deadline
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Hampshire?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with any interest due and a written itemized list of damages. These deposit rules do not apply to a landlord renting a single-family home who owns no other rental property, or to units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or fewer, except units occupied by someone 60 or older (RSA 540-A:5, I).
Verified Source: RSA 540-A:7, I · last checked 2026-10-23
How this works in New Hampshire
New Hampshire requires a landlord to return the security deposit, and pay any interest due, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with a written itemized list of damages. These deposit rules do not apply to a landlord renting a single-family home who owns no other rental property, or to units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or fewer, except units occupied by someone 60 or older (RSA 540-A:5, I).
Worked example for New Hampshire
Example: A tenant's tenancy in a 10-unit building ends on April 30, 2026, and the deposit rules apply. The deposit, any interest due, and a written itemized list of damages are due within 30 days, by May 30, 2026. The same 30-day rule would not apply if you rented only a single-family home and owned no other rental property, or if the unit were in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or fewer and the occupant was not 60 or older.
New Hampshire timelines and limits
| Return deadline | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with any interest due and a written itemized list of damages |
|---|---|
| Who is outside these rules | A landlord renting a single-family home who owns no other rental property, or units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or fewer, except units occupied by someone 60 or older |
New Hampshire FAQ
How long does a New Hampshire landlord have to return a deposit?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, with any interest due and a written itemized list of damages, under RSA 540-A:7, I.
Do I have to pay interest on the deposit?
You must pay the interest due, if any, with the returned deposit.
Do these deposit rules apply to every New Hampshire landlord?
No. They do not apply to a landlord renting a single-family home who owns no other rental property, or to units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or fewer, except units occupied by someone 60 or older (RSA 540-A:5, I).
Sources for this section: RSA 540-A:7, I (checked 2026-10-23)
Same topic in neighboring states
All New Hampshire landlord-tenant law · New Hampshire landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist
Get alerts when New Hampshire's landlord laws change
A short email when a rule on this site changes. Free, unsubscribe anytime.