New Hampshire Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common New Hampshire landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (New Hampshire RSA 540). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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New Hampshire at a glance: Security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. Return deadline: 30 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: New Hampshire RSA 540.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Interest required
- Yes
The rule: Max one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater, counting all money paid beyond the monthly rent. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit with any interest owed (deposits held a year or more earn interest), or send an itemized list of damages with evidence of the repair costs. A landlord renting a single-family home who owns no other rental, and units in an owner-occupied building of 5 or fewer units (unless occupied by someone 60 or older), are not covered (RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:7).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:7
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 7 days notice
- Lease violation
- 30 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 30 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- No statutory requirement
- Maximum late fee
- No limit
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control
- Landlord entry notice
- Adequate notice
Primary statute reference: New Hampshire RSA 540
Sources
When to use New Hampshire document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for New Hampshire landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of New Hampshire documents.
Common mistakes in New Hampshire
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
New Hampshire documents
Frequently asked questions
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In New Hampshire the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The return deadline is 30 days. Max one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater, counting all money paid beyond the monthly rent. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit with any interest owed (deposits held a year or more earn interest), or send an itemized list of damages with evidence of the repair costs. A landlord renting a single-family home who owns no other rental, and units in an owner-occupied building of 5 or fewer units (unless occupied by someone 60 or older), are not covered (RSA 540-A:5 to 540-A:7).
Confirm current rules in New Hampshire RSA 540.
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New Hampshire month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our New Hampshire lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official New Hampshire sources before relying on this information.
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