---
title: "New Hampshire Landlord Rules: Deposits, Notices, Evictions"
description: "New Hampshire landlord-tenant rules: deposit capped at 1 month of rent, deposit returned within 30 days. Official sources linked."
url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/tools/new-hampshire-landlord-rules"
---

Free tool · New Hampshire · Landlords and tenants

# New Hampshire landlord rules: deposits, notices and the eviction steps

The deposit rules, notice periods, eviction case and small claims limit for New Hampshire, each from the state's own pages or courts.

**Quick answer.** Security deposit return deadline in New Hampshire: Within 30 days after the tenancy ends: the deposit and any interest, less deductions (540-A:7, I). Deposit limit: One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater (540-A:6, I(a)).

**Sources checked:** November 2026

**Quick answer.** New Hampshire: deposit capped at 1 month of rent; deposit returned within 30 days; 30-day notice to end month-to-month; 7-day notice for unpaid rent; $10,000 small claims limit. 19 of 23 items are confirmed on official pages; 4 are marked not confirmed, with the page to check.

## Key numbers

Deposit limit

1 month's rent

Deposit back within

30 days

Month-to-month notice (landlord)

30 days

Unpaid rent notice

7 days

Entry notice

See the rule

Time to answer or appear

7 days

Small claims limit

$10,000

## Security deposit (6 of 6 confirmed)

Law read: RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:8.

Need the other side served? [Process serving with an affidavit of service](/notary/process-serving).

- ### ConfirmedDeposit limit One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater (540-A:6, I(a)). Sources: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA chapter 540-A](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540-a/540-a-mrg.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:7, Return of security deposit](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-7.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:8, Remedies](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-8.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedReturn deadline Within 30 days after the tenancy ends: the deposit and any interest, less deductions (540-A:7, I). Sources: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA chapter 540-A](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540-a/540-a-mrg.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:7, Return of security deposit](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-7.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:8, Remedies](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-8.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedItemized list of deductions An itemized, specific list of damage with evidence of repair cost such as receipts or estimates; other deductions itemized with specific periods (540-A:7). Sources: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA chapter 540-A](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540-a/540-a-mrg.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:7, Return of security deposit](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-7.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:8, Remedies](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-8.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedInterest on the deposit For deposits held a year or more, interest at the rate the institution pays on regular savings accounts; the tenant may ask for accrued interest every three years (540-A:6, IV). Sources: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA chapter 540-A](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540-a/540-a-mrg.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:7, Return of security deposit](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-7.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:8, Remedies](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-8.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedWhere the deposit is held In trust, not mixed with the landlord's own money; may be pooled in one trust account at a state bank, savings and loan or credit union, or a bond filed with the local clerk instead. A signed receipt states where it's held (540-A:6, I-II). Sources: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA chapter 540-A](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540-a/540-a-mrg.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:7, Return of security deposit](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-7.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:8, Remedies](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-8.htm), checked November 2026
- ### ConfirmedPenalty the law states Twice the deposit plus interest, less payments and lawful deductions, for failing to comply with 540-A:6, IV or 540-A:7 (540-A:8, I(b)). Sources: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA chapter 540-A](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540-a/540-a-mrg.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:7, Return of security deposit](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-7.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA 540-A:8, Remedies](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-8.htm), checked November 2026

Who the deposit rules cover: Doesn't cover someone renting a single-family home who owns no other rental property, or units in an owner-occupied building of five units or fewer, except units occupied by a person 60 or older (540-A:5, I).

More: [Security deposit rules by state](/tools/security-deposit-rules-by-state#st-NH) · [Deposit return deadline calculator](/tools/security-deposit-return-deadline-calculator?state=NH)

## Notice periods (6 of 6 confirmed)

What the official text says about each notice. Cities and counties can add their own notice, just-cause or rent rules. Check local rules too.

| Notice | Rule | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ending month-to-month (landlord) | For residential tenancies, 30 days' notice. Restricted property may be ended only for the reasons in RSA 540:2. | Source: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 540 (Actions against tenants)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540/540-mrg.htm), checked November 2026 (RSA 540:2; 540:3) |
| Ending month-to-month (tenant) | A tenant at will or month to month may end the tenancy with 30 days' written notice. | Source: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 540 (Actions against tenants)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540/540-mrg.htm), checked November 2026 (RSA 540:11) |
| Rent increase notice | Refusing a rent increase is grounds for eviction only after written notice of the amount and effective date at least 30 days before. | Source: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 540 (Actions against tenants)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540/540-mrg.htm), checked November 2026 (RSA 540:2, IV) |
| Unpaid rent notice | 7 days' notice for nonpayment. A tenant can stop the case by paying all rent due plus $15 and costs, up to 3 times in 12 months. | Source: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 540 (Actions against tenants)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540/540-mrg.htm), checked November 2026 (RSA 540:3; 540:9) |
| Entry notice | No entry without the tenant's prior consent, except to make emergency repairs (including an infestation within 72 hours of notice) or under a court order. No set notice period; entry to check for bed bugs needs 48 hours' written notice. The text: "No landlord shall willfully enter into the premises of the tenant without prior consent, other than to make emergency repairs." RSA 540-A:3 was last amended by 2025, 176:1, effective January 1, 2026. | Source: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 540-A (Prohibited practices and security deposits), full chapter](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-mrg.htm), checked November 2026 (RSA 540-A:3, IV, IV-a, V-b, V-d) |
| Late fee limits | No late fee limit in RSA chapters 540 and 540-A as read (no section of 540-A mentions late fees or late charges). Check the lease. | Sources: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 540 (Actions against tenants)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540/540-mrg.htm); [New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 540-A (Prohibited practices and security deposits), full chapter](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-mrg.htm), checked November 2026 |

More: [Notice periods by state](/tools/landlord-tenant-notice-periods-by-state#st-NH) · [Notice date calculator](/tools/notice-date-calculator?state=NH)

## Eviction case, in order (6 of 10 confirmed)

- **Notice before filing** The written notice comes first; its length is in the notice table above.Unpaid rent: 7 days' notice for nonpayment. A tenant can stop the case by paying all rent due plus $15 and costs, up to 3 times in 12 months.
- **Filing the case** Where the case goes and what it costs to start. #### ConfirmedCourt The Circuit Court District Division serving the town.The Writ must be filed in the Circuit Court - District Division with jurisdiction over the town Source: [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### Not confirmedFiling fee Not confirmed — check [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.

- **The tenant's answer or appearance** #### ConfirmedTime to answer or appear The tenant files an appearance by the return day, 7 days after the sheriff serves the writ; from October 8, 2026 an answer is also due within 5 days after the return date.returnable 7 days from the date of service of the writ by the sheriff Source: [New Hampshire RSA 540:13: Writ; service; discovery; record; default](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/LV/540/540-13.htm), checked November 2026

- **Hearing or trial** #### Not confirmedHearing after filing Not confirmed — check [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.

- **Judgment and the writ** The order that lets the officer act. #### Not confirmedJudgment to writ Not confirmed — check [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.

- **Lockout** Carried out by an officer, not by either side. #### Not confirmedWrit to lockout Not confirmed — check [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf). Not confirmed on an official page we opened.
- #### ConfirmedWho carries out the lockout The writ of possession authorizes the sheriff to remove the tenant.A writ of possession shall authorize the sheriff to remove the defendant from the premises. Source: [New Hampshire General Court: RSA Chapter 540 (Actions against tenants)](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/lv/540/540-mrg.htm), checked November 2026

- **Along the way** Paying to stop the case, counsel and diversion programs. #### ConfirmedPaying to stop the case In a nonpayment case the tenant can avoid eviction by paying all back rent plus $15 in damages before the deadline.by paying all back rent, plus $15 in damages, to the landlord. Source: [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedRight to counsel (statewide) No statewide right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases (as of November 2026, per the National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel): its tracker of enacted laws lists no statewide law here.An eviction right to counsel is created by an enacted law that, at a minimum: Source: [National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel (secondary source): National Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel: Enacted Eviction Right to Counsel and Eviction Defense Programs (last modified November 2026)](https://civilrighttocounsel.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/RTC_Enacted_Legislation_in_Eviction_Proceedings_FINAL.pdf), checked November 2026
- #### ConfirmedDiversion or mediation (statewide) A free statewide mediation program run by the Office of Mediation and Arbitration and the Circuit Court, mainly before an eviction case is filed; after filing it is offered only at some Circuit Court locations, and asking for mediation doesn't pause the case (announced November 2021).will only mediate cases before an eviction case (also known as a Landlord and Tenant Writ) is filed with the court. Source: [New Hampshire Judicial Branch: Judicial Branch Offers Free Eviction Mediation Programs Statewide (November 3, 2021)](https://courts.nh.gov/news-and-media/judicial-branch-offers-free-eviction-mediation-programs-statewide), checked November 2026

If the tenant files an appearance, RSA 540:13, V sets the hearing within 10 days after that filing (not counted from the landlord's filing, so no hearing range is used here). The court can stay the move-out up to 3 months if the tenant pays weekly rent in advance (RSA 540:13-c).

### Example: a case filed Monday, March 1, 2027

The earliest date of each stage the confirmed rules allow, from our eviction timeline estimator. Earliest under the statute; courts' calendars often take longer.

| Stage | Earliest date |
| --- | --- |
| Case filed | Monday, March 1, 2027 |
| Answer due (if served the day of filing) | Monday, March 8, 2027 |

More: [New Hampshire eviction process](/tools/eviction-process-new-hampshire) · [Eviction timeline estimator](/tools/eviction-timeline-estimator?state=nh)

## Deposit disputes: small claims

- ### ConfirmedSmall claims limit (for a deposit dispute) $10,000: the most a small claims case can ask for.RSA 503:1 and Circuit Court District Division Rule 4.1: small claims limit is $10,000 (excluding interest and costs); claiming more waives the excess. Mediation is mandatory for claims over $5,000 and voluntary at $5,000 or less. Defendant may request jury trial (transfer to superior court) when claim exceeds $1,500.Filing fee to start a case: $5 to $60. Source: [NH Judicial Branch: Civil Cases (District Division)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/our-courts/circuit-court/district-division/civil-cases), checked November 2026

More: [New Hampshire small claims court](/tools/small-claims-new-hampshire)

## Still to confirm

- Filing fee: check [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf)
- Hearing after filing: check [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf)
- Judgment to writ: check [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf)
- Writ to lockout: check [New Hampshire Circuit Court Service Center: Landlord and Tenant Information Sheet (01/01/2021)](https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-04/llt-information-sheet.pdf)

General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. The same rules apply whichever side of the lease you are on; this page describes them and doesn't take a side. Rules change, cities and counties can add their own, a lease can add terms, and the official source has the final word.

## Common questions

**How much can a security deposit be in New Hampshire?**

One month's rent or $100, whichever is greater (540-A:6, I(a)).

**How long does a New Hampshire landlord have to return a deposit?**

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends: the deposit and any interest, less deductions (540-A:7, I). What goes with it: An itemized, specific list of damage with evidence of repair cost such as receipts or estimates; other deductions itemized with specific periods (540-A:7).

**How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in New Hampshire?**

From the landlord: For residential tenancies, 30 days' notice. Restricted property may be ended only for the reasons in RSA 540:2. From the tenant: A tenant at will or month to month may end the tenancy with 30 days' written notice.

**What notice comes before an unpaid-rent case in New Hampshire?**

7 days' notice for nonpayment. A tenant can stop the case by paying all rent due plus $15 and costs, up to 3 times in 12 months.

**How much notice before a landlord enters a rental in New Hampshire?**

No entry without the tenant's prior consent, except to make emergency repairs (including an infestation within 72 hours of notice) or under a court order. No set notice period; entry to check for bed bugs needs 48 hours' written notice.

**How long does an eviction case take in New Hampshire?**

Time to answer or appear: 7 days. These are the stated rules; the court's calendar often takes longer.

**Can a New Hampshire deposit dispute go to small claims court?**

The small claims limit in our data: $10,000: the most a small claims case can ask for. The court's own page explains what kinds of cases it hears.

Related: [Landlord rules by state](/tools/landlord-rules-by-state) · [Kits for landlords](/toolkits/for/landlords)

## Keep rental records in order

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