How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Hampshire?

Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6) The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7).

Is there a limit on late fees in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire requires adequate notice before entry rather than a fixed number of hours. That agreed period is 24 hours.

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in New Hampshire?

Landlord must give at least 30 days' notice and must have good cause under New Hampshire law to end most tenancies. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:2)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in New Hampshire?

Tenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:3) The case is filed as a landlord and tenant writ in Circuit Court, District Division. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in New Hampshire?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. A written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to New Hampshire with the statutory citations printed in it.

New Hampshire Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of New Hampshire has to respect New Hampshire landlord-tenant law: a security deposit capped at one month's rent, accounted for within 30 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a New Hampshire tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

New Hampshire rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a New Hampshire lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

New Hampshire landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	New Hampshire	Citation
Security deposit limit	one month's rentSecurity deposit may not exceed one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater.	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6
Deposit return deadline	30 daysLandlord must return the deposit with interest, or an itemized statement, within 30 days after the tenancy ends.	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7
Interest on deposits	RequiredNew Hampshire requires interest on deposits held for one year or more.	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6
Late fee limit	No statutory limitNew Hampshire sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodNew Hampshire sets no statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	7 daysTenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession.	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:3
Time to cure a lease violation	30 daysTenant generally receives 30 days' notice for a curable lease violation.	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:3
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeLandlord must give at least 30 days' notice and must have good cause under New Hampshire law to end most tenancies.	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:2
Notice before landlord entry	No statute — Landy's lease sets 24 hours by agreementNew Hampshire requires adequate notice before entry rather than a fixed number of hours.	N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:3

Disclosures a New Hampshire lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978

If things go wrong in New Hampshire

Where eviction is filed

Circuit Court, District Division, as a landlord and tenant writ.

Governing law

Cited from the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

New Hampshire lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Hampshire?: Security deposit may not exceed one month's rent or $100, whichever is greater. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:6) The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:7).
Is there a limit on late fees in New Hampshire?: New Hampshire sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in New Hampshire?: New Hampshire requires adequate notice before entry rather than a fixed number of hours. That agreed period is 24 hours.
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in New Hampshire?: Landlord must give at least 30 days' notice and must have good cause under New Hampshire law to end most tenancies. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:2)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in New Hampshire?: Tenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540:3) The case is filed as a landlord and tenant writ in Circuit Court, District Division. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in New Hampshire?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. A written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to New Hampshire with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a New Hampshire lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the New Hampshire lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes New Hampshire law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed New Hampshire attorney review your lease before you rely on it.