RSA 540-A:7: New Hampshire security deposit rules in plain English
What RSA 540-A:7 says about New Hampshire security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Counted from the date the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the deposit with any interest due, plus an itemized list of any damage deductions.
- Give the landlord your new address in writing: a landlord who couldn't return the deposit because you gave no address is protected. A deposit left unclaimed 6 months after the tenancy ends goes to the landlord.
- If the landlord doesn't comply, you can recover twice the deposit plus interest, less amounts properly owed.
- Maximum deposit
- A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit above one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater (RSA 540-A:6, I(a)); if the lease calls for quarterly or less frequent rent, a deposit taken in addition to the first rent payment may not exceed one month's rent. 'Security deposit' means all funds in excess of the monthly rent transferred from tenant to landlord for any purpose (540-A:5, II). The landlord must promptly give a signed receipt stating the amount and where the deposit is held (not required if paid by personal, bank or government/nonprofit check) and a written list of unit conditions needing repair, which the tenant may note within 5 days of occupancy (540-A:6, I(b)-(c)). Deposits are held in trust, not mingled with the landlord's own money (a single trust account of all deposits at a NH bank is allowed; a NH surety bond posted with the city/town clerk is an alternative) (540-A:6, II). Landlord definition (540-A:5, I): a person who rents a single-family residence and owns no other rental property, or who rents units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or less, is NOT a 'landlord' for this deposit subdivision, except for a unit occupied by someone aged 60+.
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- Yes, after one year: a landlord who holds a deposit for one year or longer must pay interest at the rate paid on regular savings accounts at a NH bank, savings and loan or credit union (actual interest earned, pro rata, if deposits are pooled), counted from the date the deposit was received (or September 13, 1977, if later) (RSA 540-A:6, IV(a)). A tenant may request accrued interest every 3 years, 30 days before the end of the year's tenancy; the landlord must pay within 15 days after the year ends (540-A:6, IV(c)). On request the landlord must give the bank name, account number, amount on deposit and interest rate (540-A:6, IV(b)).
What RSA 540-A:7 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit above one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater (RSA 540-A:6, I(a)); if the lease calls for quarterly or less frequent rent, a deposit taken in addition to the first rent payment may not exceed one month's rent. 'Security deposit' means all funds in excess of the monthly rent transferred from tenant to landlord for any purpose (540-A:5, II). The landlord must promptly give a signed receipt stating the amount and where the deposit is held (not required if paid by personal, bank or government/nonprofit check) and a written list of unit conditions needing repair, which the tenant may note within 5 days of occupancy (540-A:6, I(b)-(c)). Deposits are held in trust, not mingled with the landlord's own money (a single trust account of all deposits at a NH bank is allowed; a NH surety bond posted with the city/town clerk is an alternative) (540-A:6, II). Landlord definition (540-A:5, I): a person who rents a single-family residence and owns no other rental property, or who rents units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or less, is NOT a 'landlord' for this deposit subdivision, except for a unit occupied by someone aged 60+.
Interest
Yes, after one year: a landlord who holds a deposit for one year or longer must pay interest at the rate paid on regular savings accounts at a NH bank, savings and loan or credit union (actual interest earned, pro rata, if deposits are pooled), counted from the date the deposit was received (or September 13, 1977, if later) (RSA 540-A:6, IV(a)). A tenant may request accrued interest every 3 years, 30 days before the end of the year's tenancy; the landlord must pay within 15 days after the year ends (540-A:6, IV(c)). On request the landlord must give the bank name, account number, amount on deposit and interest rate (540-A:6, IV(b)).
Full citation: RSA 540-A:5, I-II; 540-A:6, I-IV; 540-A:7, I-II; 540-A:8, I-III Read the official text
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FAQ: RSA 540-A:7
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under RSA 540-A:7?
Under RSA 540-A:7, a New Hampshire landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Counted from the date the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the deposit with any interest due, plus an itemized list of any damage deductions. Give the landlord your new address in writing: a landlord who couldn't return the deposit because you gave no address is protected. A deposit left unclaimed 6 months after the tenancy ends goes to the landlord. If the landlord doesn't comply, you can recover twice the deposit plus interest, less amounts properly owed.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in New Hampshire?
A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit above one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater (RSA 540-A:6, I(a)); if the lease calls for quarterly or less frequent rent, a deposit taken in addition to the first rent payment may not exceed one month's rent. 'Security deposit' means all funds in excess of the monthly rent transferred from tenant to landlord for any purpose (540-A:5, II). The landlord must promptly give a signed receipt stating the amount and where the deposit is held (not required if paid by personal, bank or government/nonprofit check) and a written list of unit conditions needing repair, which the tenant may note within 5 days of occupancy (540-A:6, I(b)-(c)). Deposits are held in trust, not mingled with the landlord's own money (a single trust account of all deposits at a NH bank is allowed; a NH surety bond posted with the city/town clerk is an alternative) (540-A:6, II). Landlord definition (540-A:5, I): a person who rents a single-family residence and owns no other rental property, or who rents units in an owner-occupied building of 5 units or less, is NOT a 'landlord' for this deposit subdivision, except for a unit occupied by someone aged 60+.
Does New Hampshire require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: RSA 540-A:5, I-II; 540-A:6, I-IV; 540-A:7, I-II; 540-A:8, I-III.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in New Hampshire?
Yes, after one year: a landlord who holds a deposit for one year or longer must pay interest at the rate paid on regular savings accounts at a NH bank, savings and loan or credit union (actual interest earned, pro rata, if deposits are pooled), counted from the date the deposit was received (or September 13, 1977, if later) (RSA 540-A:6, IV(a)). A tenant may request accrued interest every 3 years, 30 days before the end of the year's tenancy; the landlord must pay within 15 days after the year ends (540-A:6, IV(c)). On request the landlord must give the bank name, account number, amount on deposit and interest rate (540-A:6, IV(b)).
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Scan my New Hampshire leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.