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Security deposit · Massachusetts

30 days after tenancy ends.

By housr editorsStatute text checked 2026-10-05Legal review pending
A named legal reviewer hasn't signed this page yet. We read and quoted the statute ourselves on 2026-10-05. Until review, this page isn't indexed by search engines. This is information, not legal advice. See legal review.
The short answerM.G.L. c. 186, §15B(4)
Deadline30 calendar days
Before it appliesSworn itemized list within the same 30 days
If kept in bad faithThree times the deposit or balance due, plus 5% interest, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, for failing to return it in 30 days

The rule

In Massachusetts, the clock starts when: tenancy ends. The landlord then has 30 calendar days. The statute says:

“The lessor shall, within thirty days after the termination of occupancy under a tenancy-at-will or the end of the tenancy as specified in a valid written lease agreement, return to the tenant the security deposit or any balance thereof…”

Deductions for damage need an itemized list sworn under the pains and penalties of perjury, with estimates, bills, invoices or receipts.

For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 25, 2026, the date would be Nov 24, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.

What the landlord has to send

A sworn, precise itemized list of damages and repairs, with written evidence of the cost.

How much a deposit can be

One month's rent as a security deposit (plus first and last month's rent and a lock and key).

Interest

5% a year, or the lesser amount the bank paid, on a deposit held a year or longer.

“No deduction may be made from the security deposit for any purpose other than those set forth in this section.”
M.G.L. c. 186, §15B(4)

Do this

On move-out day

Give your forwarding address in writing and keep proof of sending. Photograph every room before you return the keys.

Deductions and wear and tear

Deductions are limited to unpaid rent or water, a tax-escalation share, and a reasonable amount to repair damage, reasonable wear and tear excluded (§15B(4)(iii)).

For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.

If the deadline passes

Three times the deposit or balance due, plus 5% interest, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, for failing to return it in 30 days.

“…the tenant shall be awarded damages in an amount equal to three times the amount of such security deposit or balance thereof to which the tenant is entitled plus interest at the rate of five per cent from the date when such payment became due, together with court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.”
M.G.L. c. 186, §15B(7)

The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.

Your next steps

Sources

  1. M.G.L. c. 186, §15B(4) · checked 2026-10-05

Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.