New Hampshire · NH

Demand letters in New Hampshire.

In New Hampshire, landlords must return a deposit within 30 days, and the Small Claims (Circuit Court – District Division) hears claims up to $10,000. Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.

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By The Demand Letter Kit Team Sourced from official statutesUpdated June 1, 2026

New Hampshire demand letter facts at a glance

Deposit return deadline

30 days

Small claims limit

$10,000

Filing fee

$90–$185

Written-contract SOL

3 years

Personal-injury SOL

3 years

Legal/judgment interest

Set annually (prime-based; recently around 7–8% per year, pre- and post-judgment).

Security deposit demand letters in New Hampshire

If your former landlord is holding your deposit, New Hampshire law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Bad-faith retention can expose the landlord to double the amount wrongfully withheld. New Hampshire also requires landlords to pay interest on deposits.

Governing statute: N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:5 to § 540-A:8 · read it

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Statutes of limitation in New Hampshire

A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:

Written contracts 3 years
Oral contracts 3 years
Personal injury 3 years
Property damage 3 years

Small claims court in New Hampshire

If your demand letter is ignored, New Hampshire's Small Claims (Circuit Court – District Division) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $10,000, with filing fees around $90–$185. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.

New Hampshire courts self-help

Good to know in New Hampshire

New Hampshire requires deposits returned within 30 days, caps them at one month’s rent or $100 (whichever is greater), and requires interest on deposits held a year or more. Double damages are available for bad-faith retention. Small claims in the Circuit Court’s District Division covers up to $10,000. New Hampshire applies a uniform three-year statute of limitations across contracts, injury, and property, so calendar the deadline carefully.

Common demand letters in New Hampshire

Each generator automatically applies New Hampshire law where it matters.

Security Deposit Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.

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Unpaid Invoice Demand Letter

A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.

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Contractor Dispute Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.

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Debt Collection Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.

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Property Damage Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.

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Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.

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New Hampshire demand letter FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, a landlord generally must return your security deposit within 30 days. Bad-faith retention can expose the landlord to double the amount wrongfully withheld. The governing statute is N.H. Rev. Stat. § 540-A:5 to § 540-A:8.
What is the small claims court limit in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's Small Claims (Circuit Court – District Division) hears claims up to $10,000, with filing fees of roughly $90–$185. Most demand-letter disputes fall within this limit, which is what makes a demand letter such effective leverage.
How long do I have to sue in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire's statute of limitations is 3 years for written contracts, 3 years for oral contracts, 3 years for personal injury, and 3 years for property damage. Sending a demand letter does not pause these deadlines, so don't wait too long.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not always require a demand letter before suing, but sending one is strongly recommended: many courts expect it, it can resolve the dispute without filing, and it documents that you tried to settle in good faith — which helps your case if you do end up in Small Claims (Circuit Court – District Division).

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