Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in New Hampshire?

Yes — New Hampshire law requires interest on held security deposits for deposits held 1+ year. Maximum 1 month rent or $100, whichever is greater (includes pet deposits). Must be held in trust (not commingled). Interest required for deposits held 1+ year. Return within 30 days. Penalty: up to 2x amount wrongfully withheld.

How large can the deposit itself be in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire generally allows at most 1 month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater) as a security deposit.

When do I get my security deposit back in New Hampshire?

Generally within 30 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.

New Hampshire Deposit Interest Rules

interest required (deposits held 1+ year)

New Hampshire is one of 14 US jurisdictions that require landlords to pay interest on security deposits in covered rentals — the FAQ below covers which tenancies qualify. If your lease is silent about interest, the statutory obligation still applies where it covers you.

Educational information: generated from our New Hampshire law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How New Hampshire compares

14 of 51 US jurisdictions require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Here is how New Hampshire compares with other states in our database.

State	Deposit Interest Rules
New Hampshire	interest required (deposits held 1+ year)
New Jersey	interest required
New Mexico	interest required (amounts over 1 month on longer leases)
New York	interest required (buildings with 6+ units)
North Carolina	no interest required

Frequently asked questions

Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in New Hampshire?: Yes — New Hampshire law requires interest on held security deposits for deposits held 1+ year. Maximum 1 month rent or $100, whichever is greater (includes pet deposits). Must be held in trust (not commingled). Interest required for deposits held 1+ year. Return within 30 days. Penalty: up to 2x amount wrongfully withheld.
How large can the deposit itself be in New Hampshire?: New Hampshire generally allows at most 1 month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater) as a security deposit.
When do I get my security deposit back in New Hampshire?: Generally within 30 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.

Check Your Lease Against New Hampshire Law

Not sure whether your lease complies with New Hampshire law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.

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More New Hampshire lease law guides

Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire for your specific situation.