Strafford, New Hampshire: Small Claims for a Security Deposit
Limits: $10,000 (Circuit Court District Division small claims only). E-filing: Not verified. Court: Dover District Division.
Filing facts
| State small claims limits | $10,000 (Circuit Court District Division small claims only) |
|---|---|
| Statewide filing fee | Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. Official court website |
| E-filing | Not verified |
| Time limit to sue in New Hampshire | 3 years. |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Penalty formula | landlord who does not comply with interest rules (540-A:6, IV) or return rules (540-A:7) is liable for twice the sum of the security deposit plus any interest due, less payments made and charges owing for damages, unpaid rent, or share of real estate taxes; noncompliance with collection/escrow/transfer rules is also a RSA 358-A:2 consumer-protection violation. Bad faith required: No. |
| Deposit statute | N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 540-A:6 to 540-A:8 |
Where to file
Dover District Division
Courthouse city: Dover
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 check not recorded
See how to file in New Hampshire for the state filing procedure.
Rent and deposits in Strafford
County median gross rent: $1,413 per month.
| Bedrooms | Monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,169 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,156 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,549 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,690 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,809 |
Illustrative deposit example computed from the county median rent: one month of the Census two-bedroom median is $1,549; two months is $3,098. This is an example computed from the county median, not a legal cap or a survey of deposits. The calculations below use the one-month deposit of $1,549.
State legal maximum deposit in New Hampshire: Not more than one month's rent ($1,549 at the example rent) or $100, whichever is greater. Security deposit means all funds in excess of monthly rent transferred for any purpose. Quarterly (or less frequent) rent payment leases allowed, but deposit still cannot exceed one month's rent ($1,549 at the example rent) equivalent.
Total households in Strafford: 51,684.
Renter households: 17,065 (33% of all households).
Renters spending more than half their household income on rent: 3.8%. A delayed deposit refund can leave these households with less money for their next rent payment.
County rent and household source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070. Accessed .
Will my deposit claim fit the limit?
Using the county Census figure: two-bedroom median gross rent for Strafford, $1,549 per month.
The deposit range does not include penalties, interest, or other amounts you may claim.
- Compared with $10,000 (Circuit Court District Division small claims only), the whole deposit range fits.
A claim above the applicable limit must either be reduced to that limit or go to a different court.
Towns this court serves
A deposit claim is usually filed where the property sits or where the landlord is.
- Dover
- Rochester
- Somersworth
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file.
Statewide 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.
Phone: (800) 639-5290
- 603 Legal Aid
Free civil legal advice, representation and referrals for eligible New Hampshire residents; centralized intake for legal aid, including housing problems.
Phone: (800) 639-5290
These are independent organisations, not DemandLetterLab.
From letter to filing
- Send a New Hampshire security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 30 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in New Hampshire: 3 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
This template uses New Hampshire law. Your county decides where you file, not which law applies.
Free New Hampshire template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under New Hampshire law (N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 540-A:6 to 540-A:8), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days from the termination of the tenancy.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Strafford?
Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. Official court website
How long do I have to sue?
Time limit to sue in New Hampshire: 3 years.
Where do I file?
Dover District Division. Courthouse city: Dover. Check the court's instructions for the right filing location.