LegalCals

New Hampshire Security Deposit Timeline

Step-by-step deposit lifecycle from collection to return.

New Hampshire law governs how landlords collect, hold, and return security deposits. The timeline below outlines the deposit lifecycle in chronological order — from move-in limits and pet deposits to deductions, itemization, interest, and the final return deadline.

Security Deposit Timeline

  1. Maximum Deposit

    1 month's rent or $100, whichever is greater (no limit for shared facilities/boarding houses)

  2. Pet Deposit Rules

    No separate statutory pet deposit limit; included in max deposit.

  3. Allowed Deductions

    Damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, unpaid taxes, and other costs associated with lease violations.

  4. Itemized Statement

    Yes — landlords must provide a written itemized list of any deductions.

  5. Interest Required

    No — state law does not require interest on deposits.

  6. Return Deadline

    30 days

Related Resources

Explore statutes, detailed rules, and calculators for this state.