Security Deposit in New Hampshire
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Landlords must return deposits within 30 days and hold deposits in a separate, interest-bearing account.
How New Hampshire treats Security Deposit
New Hampshire requires landlords to place security deposits in a separate, interest-bearing account and return the full amount plus accrued interest within 30 days of lease end. Deductions must be itemized and documented. If a landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover double the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees.
The general definition of Security Deposit
Money a tenant pays upfront to a landlord as a guarantee against damage or unpaid rent.
A security deposit is cash that a tenant gives to a landlord at the start of a lease, held as insurance against property damage or unpaid rent. The landlord must keep this money in a separate account and return it to the tenant when the lease ends, minus any deductions for legitimate damages or unpaid bills. Most states have strict rules about how quickly landlords must return deposits (often 30–45 days) and require them to itemize any deductions. If a landlord wrongfully keeps the deposit, the tenant can sue for the full amount plus penalties.
Read the full Security Deposit entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.