Massachusetts security deposit laws
In Massachusetts, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Here is what the law requires, what they can and cannot keep, and how to get your money back.
Return deadline
30 days
After you hand back the keys
Penalty for wrongful withholding
Up to 3x
3x the deposit, plus interest, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees
Small claims limit
$7,000
Covers most deposit disputes
Itemized statement
Required
For any deductions the landlord takes
Related states
Compare nearby security deposit rules and deadlines.
What your Massachusetts landlord must do
Return the deposit on time
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B, the landlord generally must return your deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions within 30 days after you move out. Missing that deadline often weakens or forfeits their right to keep any of it.
Justify every deduction
An itemized statement of the deductions is required, and vague or unsupported charges do not meet the standard. Normal wear and tear is never deductible.
Common Massachusetts deposit disputes
Pick the situation that matches yours for the Massachusetts-specific rules and a ready-to-send demand letter.
Massachusetts security deposit questions
How long does a landlord in Massachusetts have to return a security deposit?
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B, a Massachusetts landlord generally has 30 days after you move out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions.
What can a Massachusetts landlord deduct from a security deposit?
Only actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and Massachusetts law allow. An itemized statement of the deductions is required. Ordinary wear from normal use is not deductible.
What happens if my Massachusetts landlord keeps my deposit unfairly?
3x the deposit, plus interest, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees A demand letter that cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B and the missed deadline is the standard first step before small claims.
Can I sue my landlord in Massachusetts small claims court over a deposit?
Yes. Massachusetts small claims court handles deposit disputes for amounts up to $7,000, which covers most deposits plus the statutory penalty. You do not need a lawyer.
Not legal advice
RentBack is jurisdiction-accurate legal research and drafting support for renters, not a law firm and not a substitute for a licensed attorney.