New Hampshire Security Deposit Demand Letter (RSA 540-A:7)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under RSA 540-A:7, a landlord must return the security deposit and any interest, along with a written itemized list of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date]. This letter also provides my forwarding address.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for twice the amount of the security deposit plus any interest, minus any lawful charges.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in New Hampshire
New Hampshire landlords must return a security deposit, plus any interest owed, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord may deduct the cost of repairing damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, unpaid rent, a share of real estate taxes if the lease requires it, and other lawful unpaid charges under the lease. Deposits are capped at one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater.
Every deduction has to appear on a written, itemized list. For damage, the list must describe each repair with particularity and be supported by evidence such as estimates, bills, invoices or receipts. A landlord isn't liable if they couldn't comply because the tenant didn't provide a new address, and deposits left unclaimed for six months can become the landlord's property.
A landlord who violates the return rules can be ordered to pay twice the amount of the security deposit plus interest, minus any payments already made and lawful charges. Deposits held for a year or more earn interest at the savings rate of the bank where they are held. These rules don't cover someone renting out a single-family home who owns no other rental property, or units in an owner-occupied building of five units or fewer, unless the tenant is 60 or older.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, New Hampshire's own deadline under RSA 540-A:7 is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (New Hampshire limit: $10,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In New Hampshire, the rules are set out in New Hampshire Revised Statutes §§ 540-A:5–540-A:8. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award twice the amount of the security deposit plus any interest, minus any lawful charges.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In New Hampshire the limit is $10,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example New Hampshire security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under RSA 540-A:7, a landlord must return the security deposit and any interest, along with a written itemized list of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was September 30, 2026. This letter also provides my forwarding address.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for twice the amount of the security deposit plus any interest, minus any lawful charges.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a New Hampshire landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the deposit and any interest, or send a written itemized list of deductions describing each repair or charge, along with the remaining balance.
Why does a forwarding address matter in New Hampshire?
A landlord isn't liable for missing the rules if the problem was caused by the tenant not providing a new address. Deposits and interest left unclaimed for six months after the tenancy ends can become the landlord's property, so give your address in writing promptly.
Does my New Hampshire deposit earn interest?
Yes, if the landlord held it for a year or more. Interest is paid at the rate the bank or credit union pays on regular savings accounts. On request, the landlord must tell you where the deposit is held and the interest rate.
What penalty applies, and where can I sue in New Hampshire?
A landlord who violates the return rules can owe twice the deposit plus interest, minus payments made and lawful charges. New Hampshire small claims cases can involve up to $10,000, not counting interest and costs.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.