Massachusetts Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy or tenant vacating.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to treble the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B(7).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1 month rent
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $7,000
- Interest on deposit: Landlord must pay 5% annual interest or actual interest earned, whichever is less
Additional Protections
- Deposit limited to 1 month rent
- Landlord must hold deposit in separate interest-bearing account in Massachusetts
- Landlord must provide receipt within 30 days of receiving deposit
- Landlord must provide statement of condition at move-in
- Last month's rent must also earn interest
- Any violation of the deposit statute entitles tenant to immediate return of full deposit
What Your Massachusetts Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Massachusetts's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
treble the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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Massachusetts Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Massachusetts?
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy or tenant vacating to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Massachusetts landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to treble the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B(7). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Massachusetts?
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B(1)(b), the maximum security deposit in Massachusetts is 1 month rent.
Does my Massachusetts landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Massachusetts law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts small claims court handles cases up to $7,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Massachusetts?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Massachusetts-specific demand letter citing Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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