New Hampshire Guide
Your landlord missed the 30-day deadline. Demand your deposit back.
In New Hampshire, the deposit fight gets serious the moment your landlord runs out of time or can't give you a proper written breakdown of the deductions. A dated demand letter puts them on notice — and builds the paper trail small claims court wants to see.
Write it free below. If you'd rather not deal with the printer and post office, we mail it for you — first class for $10, or certified with delivery tracking for $19.
Best fit
- You moved out more than 30 days ago
- The deposit still has not shown up
- The deductions look weak or vague
- You want a stronger paper trail
This is the letter you'll send
No guessing about wording. You fill in your details and the builder produces a clean, dated demand letter like this one — ready to download or have us mail.
Alex Romano 30 Pine Street Manchester, NH 03104
May 29, 2026
Gregory Lane Lane Property Rentals 500 Commercial Street Manchester, NH 03101
Re: Demand for Return of Security Deposit under RSA 540-A:7 and RSA 540-A:8
Dear Gregory Lane,
I am requesting the return of my security deposit for 88 Walnut Street, Apt 3, Manchester, NH. My tenancy ended on April 30, 2026.
Under RSA 540-A:7, a landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days of termination of the tenancy or provide a written itemized list of damages and supporting information.
If you believe deductions are justified, please send the required written itemization and supporting information immediately. Otherwise, please return the full deposit by June 12, 2026.
Please send all correspondence and payment to the mailing address listed above.
Sincerely,
Alex Romano
How it works
Fill in your details
Your info, the landlord's mailing address, your move-out date, and the deposit amount. Takes a couple of minutes.
Download free, or let us mail it
Print and mail it yourself at no cost — or hand it off and skip the errand entirely.
We print, stamp, and send
First class for $10, or certified mail with tracking for $19 so you have proof it was delivered.
What RSA 540-A:7 requires
New Hampshire RSA 540-A:7 says the landlord generally has 30 days after you vacate and provide a forwarding address to either return the full deposit with any interest due, or send you a written itemized list of deductions with supporting documentation.
Both conditions matter: the 30-day clock typically does not start until you have vacated and the landlord has your forwarding address. If you moved out and provided your new address in writing, that is when the window opened.
Once those 30 days pass without a return or a proper written explanation, you are no longer in a waiting game. A written demand is the appropriate next move.
What “itemized” actually means
An itemized statement is not just a dollar total. It should describe each specific deduction — what was damaged, what the repair or replacement cost, and ideally documentation like a receipt or estimate to back it up.
"Cleaning: $300" by itself is not itemized. "Carpet cleaning due to pet damage, ABC Cleaners invoice dated [date], $300" is. If the landlord's statement is vague or unsupported, that is worth putting in your demand letter.
What to put in your demand
- Your name and forwarding address
- The rental property address
- Your move-out date
- The date you provided your forwarding address
- The full deposit amount you paid
- A specific request: return the deposit in full, or provide a proper itemized statement
- A deadline for response — 10 to 14 days is reasonable
What to expect after the letter arrives
The landlord returns the deposit. A written, dated demand often moves things when informal follow-ups have not. Some landlords respond quickly once the request is formal and documented.
The landlord sends an itemized statement. Review it carefully. If deductions are vague, undocumented, or cover normal wear and tear rather than actual damage, you may have grounds to dispute specific charges. Consult an attorney or New Hampshire Legal Aid if you are unsure.
The landlord does not respond. In that case the letter becomes your documentation for small claims court. Bring the letter, proof of mailing, your lease, and any photos you took at move-out.
Official source
General information only, not legal advice. For questions about your specific situation, contact a qualified attorney or New Hampshire Legal Aid.
Choose how it gets mailed
Writing and downloading your letter is always free. You only pay if you want us to handle the printing and mailing.
Ready to write it?
Open the New Hampshire security deposit demand template, add your move-out and forwarding-address details, then download it free or have Forman3D print and mail it.