State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Massachusetts Security Deposit Laws
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 § 15B, Massachusetts landlords must return security deposits within 30 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 3x the deposit if landlord failed to comply with any requirement.
Quick Answer
In Massachusetts, landlords have 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is 1 month's rent (first month, last month, deposit, lock change only). If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $7,000) and may recover Up to 3x the deposit if landlord failed to comply with any requirement under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 § 15B. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Massachusetts Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 30 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 3x the deposit if landlord failed to comply with any requirement. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $7,000without needing an attorney.
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $700-2,2005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $300-1,0003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How strict are Massachusetts deposit laws?
Massachusetts has the strictest deposit laws in the nation. Landlords must: provide written receipts, maintain separate escrow accounts, pay annual interest, and return within 30 days. Violations result in 3x penalties.
What can my Massachusetts landlord charge at move-in?
Only: first month's rent, last month's rent, security deposit (1 month max), and lock change fee. Nothing else. Additional fees are illegal.
Does my Massachusetts landlord have to pay interest?
Yes. Landlords must pay 5% annually or the actual bank interest rate, whichever is less. They must also provide annual statements.
What happens if my landlord violates Massachusetts deposit law?
You may be entitled to 3x the deposit amount. Even technical violations (wrong bank, late statement, missing receipt) can trigger penalties.
City-Specific Rules
Some Massachusetts cities have additional tenant protections:
- Boston: Additional tenant protections. Rent stabilization discussions ongoing.
- Cambridge: Strong tenant advocacy. Just-cause eviction protections.
Official Resources
- Massachusetts Attorney General(Government)
- Massachusetts Law Reform Institute(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Massachusetts's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 § 15B · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527