DisputeKit / States / New Hampshire
Your consumer rights in New Hampshire
What New Hampshire and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
30 days. Under New Hampshire RSA 540-A:7, a landlord must return the security deposit with any interest due, together with a written, itemized list of any damages, unpaid rent or other charges deducted within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. Your landlord is not liable if the deposit was not returned because you gave no new address when the tenancy ended. A court may also award damages equal to twice the sum of the security deposit plus any interest due, less any payments made and any charges owing for damages, unpaid rent or share of real estate taxes, if the landlord does not comply with the return and itemization rules.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
New Hampshire has no automatic-renewal statute. For subscriptions sold online, the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires a simple way to stop recurring charges, and New Hampshire's general consumer protection law applies.
Small claims and complaints in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire consumer law
- New Hampshire RSA 358-A:2 (Consumer Protection Act)
- Where to file a complaint
- New Hampshire Department of Justice, Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau
- Small claims limit
- $10,000 (Circuit Court, District Division; claims over $5,000 go to mandatory mediation)
- Filing fee
- Roughly $105 to $160 depending on the amount claimed; check the court's current fee schedule. Filing is electronic through TurboCourt for self-represented people