New Hampshire Security Deposit Return Letter

Generate a complete, legally grounded New Hampshire Security Deposit Return Letter. Enter the deposit amount, itemized deductions (if any), move-out date, and related details to receive properly structured letters that comply with RSA 540-A:5 through 540-A:8, including the 30-day return deadline, required itemized statement of deductions, forwarding address acknowledgment, and notice of potential double-damage liability for wrongful withholding., -

New Hampshire law (RSA 540-A:7) requires that a landlord return a tenant's security deposit, or a written itemized statement of any deductions together with the remaining balance, within 30 days after the termination of the tenancy. The 30-day period begins after the tenant has vacated and surrendered possession (or keys) and provided a forwarding address.

Permissible deductions are limited to: (1) unpaid rent; (2) damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear caused by the tenant's negligence, carelessness, or intentional misconduct; and (3) cleaning necessary to return the premises to the condition at the start of the tenancy (ordinary wear and tear excepted). RSA 540-A:6 caps the deposit at one month's rent (or $100, whichever is greater). Failure to return the deposit or provide a proper itemized statement within 30 days may expose the landlord to liability for up to twice the deposit amount plus interest, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees (RSA 540-A:8)., -

Part I, Pre-Departure / Move-Out Inspection Offer

New Hampshire does not statutorily mandate a formal pre-move-out inspection like some states. However, best practice (and protection against later disputes) is to offer the tenant an opportunity to walk through the Premises with the landlord or agent before final surrender of possession. This allows the tenant to address any correctable items and creates a contemporaneous record of condition.

PRE-DEPARTURE INSPECTION OFFER
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Current or Last Known Address]]
[[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]]

FROM (Landlord or Authorized Agent): [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

RE: Pre-Departure Inspection Offer and Security Deposit Accounting Notice, Premises at [[Full Property Address]], [[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]], -

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s) or "Tenant"]],

Your tenancy at the above-referenced Premises is scheduled to end on or about [[Lease End / Vacate / Move-Out Date]].

To help minimize or avoid deductions from your security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]], I am offering you the opportunity to participate in a joint pre-departure (or move-out) inspection of the Premises. The purpose is to identify any cleaning, repair, or other items that you may wish to address prior to surrendering possession.

If you wish to schedule a pre-departure inspection, please contact me in writing (email or letter) no later than [[Inspection Request Deadline, e.g. 48-72 hours before scheduled move-out]] so that we may arrange a mutually convenient time.

Whether or not you elect to participate in an inspection, a formal written accounting of your security deposit (with any permitted deductions itemized and supporting documentation where required) will be provided, and any balance returned, within 30 days after the termination of the tenancy and your surrender of possession (RSA 540-A:7).

Please provide your forwarding address in writing at or before move-out so that the accounting and any refund check can be sent promptly:

Tenant Forwarding Address:
[[Tenant Forwarding Address Line 1]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]
Email (optional for notice): [[Tenant Forwarding Email]]

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Title]]
Date: __________, -

Part II, Security Deposit Return Letter (Full Return, No Deductions)

*Use this letter when the security deposit is being returned in full with no deductions.*, -

SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN LETTER, FULL RETURN
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
RSA 540-A:7

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

RE: Return of Security Deposit in Full, [[Full Property Address]], [[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]], -

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s) or "Tenant"]],

Your tenancy at [[Full Property Address]], [[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]] terminated on [[Move-Out / Termination / Possession Surrender Date]]. You surrendered possession and returned all keys and access devices on [[Key / Possession Return Date]]. You provided your forwarding address on [[Forwarding Address Receipt Date]].

After inspection of the Premises, I have determined that no deductions are warranted from your security deposit.

Enclosed please find check number [[Check Number]] dated [[Check Date]], made payable to [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]], in the amount of $[[Security Deposit Amount]], representing the full return of your security deposit.

This letter constitutes the landlord's complete and final accounting of your security deposit as required by RSA 540-A:7. No further amounts are claimed or owed by either party with respect to the security deposit.

Thank you for your tenancy. If you have any questions, please contact me at the information above.

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Title]]
Date: __________

Enclosure: Check [[Check Number]]

LANDLORD COPY, KEEP FOR RECORDS (attach copy of check, mailing receipt or delivery confirmation), -

Part III, Security Deposit Return Letter with Itemized Deductions

*Use this letter (and any required attachments) when deductions are being made.*, -

SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN LETTER, ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF DEDUCTIONS
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
RSA 540-A:7

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter]]

TO: [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
[[Tenant Forwarding Address]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[ZIP Code]]

FROM: [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Landlord Mailing Address]]
[[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

RE: Security Deposit Accounting and Partial Return, [[Full Property Address]], [[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]], -

Dear [[Tenant First Name(s) or "Tenant"]],

Your tenancy at [[Full Property Address]], [[City]], New Hampshire [[ZIP Code]] terminated on [[Move-Out / Termination / Possession Surrender Date]]. You surrendered possession of the Premises and returned all keys and access devices on [[Key / Possession Return Date]]. You provided your forwarding address on [[Forwarding Address Receipt Date]].

A final inspection of the Premises was conducted on [[Inspection Date]] [[(with tenant participation or "without tenant participation; you were offered the opportunity to inspect jointly on [date] but did not respond / attend")]].

After inspection, the following deductions from your security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] are being made. All deductions are for amounts lawfully recoverable under RSA 540-A:6 and 540-A:7 (unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning to original condition). Normal wear and tear is not charged.

Itemized Statement of Deductions

1. Unpaid Rent
- Period: [[e.g., Rent for the period MM/DD/YYYY through MM/DD/YYYY]]
- Amount: $[[Amount of Unpaid Rent Deducted]]
- Supporting documentation attached: [[Lease ledger / rent ledger / invoice reference or "N/A, documented in attached statement"]]

2. Repairs for Damage Beyond Normal Wear and Tear
- Description: [[Specific description, e.g., "Repair of gouges and holes in drywall in living room caused by moving furniture; holes filled, sanded, and painted; labor and materials"]]
- Amount: $[[Repair Amount]]
- Supporting documentation attached: [[Receipts, estimates, contractor invoices, photos dated before/after]]

3. Cleaning to Return Premises to Move-In Condition
- Description: [[Specific description, e.g., "Professional carpet cleaning of all carpeted areas to remove stains and odors beyond normal wear; general cleaning of kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and floors not performed by tenant at move-out"]]
- Amount: $[[Cleaning Amount]]
- Supporting documentation attached: [[Receipts, invoices, photos]]

4. Other Permissible Deduction (if any)
- Description: [[Describe only if permitted by law and lease]]
- Amount: $[[Other Amount]]
- Supporting: [[Documentation]]

Summary Table

Enclosed is check number [[Check Number]] dated [[Check Date]], made payable to [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]], in the amount of $[[Balance Returned Amount]].

Supporting Documentation The following documents are attached to this letter (or available upon request): - [[List: e.g., "Copies of receipts and invoices for repairs and cleaning totaling $X.XX", "Move-in and move-out photos", "Rent ledger showing unpaid balance", "Itemized repair estimates"]]

Important Notice Regarding Timing and Remedies
This accounting and any refund are being provided within the 30-day period required by RSA 540-A:7. If you believe any deduction is improper, you may contact me in writing within a reasonable time to discuss. If we cannot resolve the dispute, you may pursue remedies in New Hampshire small claims court (or other appropriate court). A landlord who wrongfully withholds a security deposit or fails to provide a timely itemized statement may be liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld, plus interest, costs, and reasonable attorney's fees (RSA 540-A:8).

Please cash or deposit the enclosed check promptly. This letter and the enclosed payment constitute the landlord's complete and final accounting of the security deposit.

Sincerely,

___________________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Title]]
Date: __________

Enclosures:
- Check [[Check Number]] in the amount of $[[Balance Returned Amount]]
- Supporting receipts / invoices / photos / ledgers (as listed)

LANDLORD COPY, RETAIN FOR RECORDS (include proof of mailing or delivery, copy of check, and all attachments), -

Part IV, Additional Landlord Instructions and Tenant Rights Summary

Instructions for Completing and Sending This Letter (Landlord Use)

1. Calculate the exact 30-day deadline from the later of: (a) termination of tenancy, or (b) surrender of keys/possession. Send the letter and any refund so that it is received or postmarked within that window.

2. Use only permissible deductions. Do not deduct for normal wear and tear, pre-existing conditions, or ordinary cleaning that would be expected at turnover.

3. Itemize every deduction with specificity. Attach copies of receipts, invoices, or detailed estimates for amounts over typical small thresholds (best practice even when not strictly required).

4. Send to the tenant's last known address and the forwarding address provided. Use certified mail with return receipt requested or another method that creates proof of delivery.

5. Keep complete records: copy of this letter, attachments, proof of service/mailing, copy of check, photos, inspection reports, and the original move-in checklist.

6. If the full deposit is returned, use Part II. If deductions apply, use Part III and attach documentation.

7. Interest: If interest is required under the lease or any applicable rule for the period the deposit was held, include and pay it with the return.

8. Unclaimed deposits: After required efforts, unclaimed security deposits may need to be handled per New Hampshire unclaimed property rules after the applicable period.

Tenant Rights Summary (Informational)

Tenants receiving a security deposit accounting may:
- Receive the full deposit or itemized statement + balance within 30 days.
- Dispute improper deductions in writing.
- Seek recovery in small claims court for amounts wrongfully withheld, potentially including double damages, interest, and fees under RSA 540-A:8.
- Request copies of supporting documentation for deductions.

This summary is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice to either party., -

*Sample template for New Hampshire, not legal advice. Security deposit rules governed by RSA 540-A:5, 540-A:6, 540-A:7, and 540-A:8. Return deadline is 30 days from termination of tenancy and surrender of possession. Permissible deductions limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning to original condition. Penalty for wrongful withholding up to twice the deposit plus costs and fees. Verify all facts, calculations, and current statutes against official New Hampshire sources before use. As of 2026-06.*

Quick Reference Table, NH Security Deposit (RSA 540-A)

Retain copies of all documents. Use court-approved forms where available for disputes.