Security deposit interest in New Hampshire
Yes — New Hampshire landlords must pay interest on security deposits after one year.
Work out what you are owed in New Hampshire
Enter your deposit and dates to see what New Hampshire law entitles you to.
| Period | Rate | Basis | Interest | Running total |
|---|
Not legal advice. This is an estimate for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Security deposit laws change and vary by jurisdiction. Verify with the cited statute or consult a licensed attorney in your state before taking action.
How is the New Hampshire interest rate set?
No fixed statutory rate. Interest is paid at the regular savings account rate of the New Hampshire bank, savings and loan, or credit union where the deposit is held. If the landlord commingles deposits in one trust account, each tenant receives a proportionate share of the actual interest earned. On request the landlord must disclose the institution, account number, amount, and interest rate, and let the tenant examine the deposit records.
What does New Hampshire law actually say?
New Hampshire requires interest on a residential security deposit only where the landlord has held it for one year or longer. Interest runs from the date the landlord receives the deposit, at the regular savings rate of the New Hampshire financial institution holding it. Important exclusion: a person who rents a single-family residence and owns no other rental property, or who rents units in an owner-occupied building of five units or fewer, is not a landlord for these purposes at all, unless the individual unit is occupied by someone aged 60 or over.
Deposits are capped at one month's rent or 100 dollars, whichever is greater, and remain the tenant's money held in trust. A tenant may request accrued interest every three years, 30 days before that year's tenancy expires, and the landlord must comply within 15 days. Otherwise the deposit and any interest due must be returned within 30 days of termination, with a written itemised list of any damages claimed.
Any lease provision waiving these rights is void.
When must a New Hampshire landlord return the deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends.
What if your landlord does not comply?
Failure to comply with the interest or return requirements makes the landlord liable for twice the sum of the deposit plus any interest due, less lawful deductions. Failure to comply with the deposit cap, receipt, trust account, or transfer rules is a violation of the Consumer Protection Act, RSA 358-A:2. The landlord is not liable if the failure is due to the tenant not giving a new address, and unclaimed deposits plus interest become the landlord's property six months after termination.