What are the laws governing the return of a security deposit?

In New Hampshire, Landlord and Tenant Law requires landlords to return a security deposit to a tenant within 30 days of the tenant moving out. The landlord must either return the entire security deposit or provide the tenant with a written statement that outlines how the deposit was used. The landlord must explain any deductions that were taken out of the deposit. If deductions are taken out, the written statement must include the amount of each deduction, a description of the reasons for the deductions, and the landlord’s actual expenses that were caused by the tenant. If the landlord does not return the security deposit or provide the tenant with a written statement within 30 days, the tenant can sue the landlord for double the amount of the security deposit. If the landlord does return the security deposit, but the tenant does not agree with the deductions, the tenant may still sue the landlord to get the difference. The tenant must do so within 90 days of receiving the security deposit. The tenant must provide the landlord with a forwarding address in writing within 30 days of moving out in order to receive their security deposit. The tenant also has the right to be present when the landlord inspects the rental unit after they move out to ensure that the landlord does not wrongfully deduct from the security deposit. New Hampshire’s Landlord and Tenant Law includes many other laws regarding the rental of residential properties. All tenant and landlords should be familiar with these laws in order to protect their rights.

What are the laws governing the return of a security deposit?

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