Strafford County, New Hampshire: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is New Hampshire Circuit Court, District Division - Small Claims (Strafford County) in Dover. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $10,000. New Hampshire return time: 30 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,549. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | New Hampshire Circuit Court, District Division - Small Claims (Strafford County) |
|---|---|
| City | Dover |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $10,000 (Circuit Court District Division small claims only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 3 years |
| Deposit statute | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 540-A:6 to 540-A:8 |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $10,000 (Circuit Court District Division small claims only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | from the termination of the tenancy |
New Hampshire return rule: 30 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: New Hampshire Circuit Court, District Division - Small Claims (Strafford County). Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Strafford County.
- The New Hampshire business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. New Hampshire Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the New Hampshire filing procedure before you go.
0Procedure source (medium confidence): Electronic Filing is mandatory in small claims cases at all district division locations. Self-represented litigants will use the program TurboCourt.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Strafford County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,156 | $1,156 | $2,312 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,549 | $1,549 | $3,098 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,690 | $1,690 | $3,380 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,809 | $1,809 | $3,618 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Strafford County compare with other New Hampshire counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,549: rank 5 of 15 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 33% of households rent in Strafford County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Hillsborough County | $1,629 |
| Strafford | $1,549 |
| Strafford County | $1,549 |
| Grafton | $1,487 |
| Grafton County | $1,487 |
| Merrimack | $1,434 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 15 of 15 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Strafford County
- Dover
- Rochester
- Somersworth
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- New Hampshire Legal Assistance: Free civil legal advice and representation for eligible low-income residents and older adults, including eviction defense and other housing matters. Applications go through 603 Legal Aid at the listed number.
- 603 Legal Aid: Free civil legal advice, representation and referrals for eligible New Hampshire residents; centralized intake for legal aid, including housing problems.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Strafford County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Strafford County?
New Hampshire Circuit Court, District Division - Small Claims (Strafford County) is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.