New Hampshire Security Deposit Law (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6 to :8)

Under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6, a landlord "shall not demand or receive any security deposit in an amount or value in excess of one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater." A deposit held for one year or longer must earn interest at the rate paid on regular savings accounts at the New Hampshire institution where it is held. Section 540-A:7 requires the landlord to return the deposit and any interest within 30 days from termination of the tenancy. When the landlord retains any portion, it must provide a written, itemized list of damages stating the nature of each repair, with evidence such as receipts or estimates that the repair has been or will be completed; deductions for unpaid rent or taxes must specify the period claimed. Deductions are limited to damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, unpaid rent, and unpaid taxes.

Under N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:8, a landlord who violates the return or itemization rules of § 540-A:7 is "liable to the tenant in damages in an amount equal to twice the sum of the amount of the security deposit plus any interest due," less any lawful deductions. The landlord avoids liability only if the tenant failed to provide a forwarding address after the tenancy ended.