New Hampshire deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• 30 days.

  Your landlord has 30 days after your tenancy ends to return your deposit, with any interest due.

  RSA 540-A:7, I

• Proof, not guesses.

  For damage, they owe you an itemized list and evidence the repairs were or will be done. Reasonable wear and tear is excluded.

  RSA 540-A:7, I

• Twice the deposit.

  A landlord who breaks the rule can owe twice the deposit plus interest, less what they paid and what you truly owe.

  RSA 540-A:8, I(b)

• Send your new address.

  If you never told them your new address, they aren't liable for missing the deadline.

  RSA 540-A:8, II

• Who's covered.

  Vacation rentals, a single-family home that's the landlord's only rental, and owner-occupied buildings of 5 units or fewer are left out, except units where someone 60 or older lives.

  RSA 540-A:5, I

Not covered here yet: Vacation rentals and some small owner-occupied rentals

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.