Security deposit interest in New Hampshire
Verified against N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-A:6, IV and agency sources on 2026-07-04. Not legal advice.
New Hampshire requires deposit interest only in specific situations.
- Applies when: deposit held for 1 year or longer; ch. 540-A deposit rules generally exempt small owner-occupied properties, except where the tenant is 60 or older
- Rate: Rate equal to the interest paid on regular savings accounts at the New Hampshire bank, savings and loan, or credit union where the deposit is held; if deposits are commingled in one account, actual interest earned paid proportionately
- Paid: at termination (within 30 days); tenant may request accrued interest every 3 years
- Statute: N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-A:6, IV · primary source
No published statewide rate - it tracks the actual savings-account rate of the institution holding the deposit. Noncompliance can trigger liability of twice the deposit plus interest.
Security deposit interest calculator
Frequently asked questions
Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in New Hampshire?
Only in certain cases: deposit held for 1 year or longer; ch. 540-A deposit rules generally exempt small owner-occupied properties, except where the tenant is 60 or older. Rate equal to the interest paid on regular savings accounts at the New Hampshire bank, savings and loan, or credit union where the deposit is held; if deposits are commingled in one account, actual interest earned paid proportionately (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 540-A:6, IV).
When must deposit interest be paid in New Hampshire?
At termination (within 30 days); tenant may request accrued interest every 3 years.
Anything else New Hampshire landlords should know about deposit interest?
No published statewide rate - it tracks the actual savings-account rate of the institution holding the deposit. Noncompliance can trigger liability of twice the deposit plus interest.
Deposit interest in other states
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