New Hampshire security deposit law
Can I get more than my deposit back in New Hampshire?
The short answer
Often, yes. New Hampshire law allows up to 2x the deposit in statutory damages for wrongful withholding under RSA § 540-A:7, on top of the deposit itself.
New Hampshire is one of the states where wrongful withholding costs the landlord more than the deposit: RSA § 540-A:7 allows courts to award up to 2x the deposit in statutory damages, in addition to returning the deposit itself.
What this means practically: the money at stake is often larger than the deposit, and a landlord facing a potential 2x judgment has a strong incentive to settle when a tenant demonstrates they know the statute. Attorney's fees can also be recoverable, which changes the landlord's calculation further.
How tenants actually unlock these remedies: not by mentioning them on the phone, but in a formal demand letter that cites RSA § 540-A:7, the missed deadline, and the specific exposure. That letter is usually the moment the landlord's cost-benefit flips.
If it still goes unanswered, District Division — Small Claims is where these damages get awarded, and the demand letter is the exhibit that proves you gave fair notice.
The New Hampshire rules at a glance. Governing statute: RSA § 540-A:7. Return deadline: 30 days. Statutory damages: up to 2x the deposit for wrongful withholding. Attorney's fees: recoverable in qualifying cases. Court for disputes: District Division — Small Claims, claims up to $10,000.
See what your landlord owes you under New Hampshire law.
Answer a few questions about your situation and get a New Hampshire-specific demand letter that applies these rules to your case, ready in about ten minutes.