Massachusetts Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Reviewed: 2026-03-03
Reviewer: ReclaimDeposit legal research team
Quick answer for Massachusetts renters
In Massachusetts, landlords generally must return the deposit or send a lawful itemized statement within 30 days. Penalty exposure can reach 3x damages.
Requirements
Notes
- STRICTEST state for landlords - violations = automatic 3x penalty
- Deposit limited to FIRST month + LAST month + lock change + 1 month security
- 5% annual interest or actual bank rate required, paid annually
- Must hold deposit in separate interest-bearing MA bank account
- Must provide statement of condition within 10 days of occupancy
- Failure to comply with ANY requirement forfeits right to retain deposit
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Open each explainer for plain-English context.
Deposit return deadline
MGL c. 186 § 15B(4) - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after termination
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionItemized deductions
MGL c. 186 § 15B(4) - Landlord must provide itemized list of damages with sworn statement
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionNormal wear and tear
MGL c. 186 § 15B(4) - Cannot deduct for normal wear and tear
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionBad faith penalties
MGL c. 186 § 15B(7) - Violation results in 3x deposit + interest + fees
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionDeposit limits
MGL c. 186 § 15B(1)(b) - Deposit limited to 1 month's rent
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionInterest on deposits
MGL c. 186 § 15B(3)(a) - 5% annual interest or actual bank rate required
Explain this statuteOfficial sectionMove-in checklist
MGL c. 186 § 15B(2) - Statement of condition required at tenancy commencement
Explain this statuteOfficial section
Common Massachusetts dispute scenarios
Choose the scenario that matches your case to get state-specific next actions.
Landlord missed the deposit deadline
Use this path when your landlord returned the deposit late or failed to send any lawful itemized statement on time.
No itemized deduction statement
Use this path when money was withheld but no legally compliant itemized statement was provided.
Charged for normal wear and tear
Use this path when deductions include routine aging, ordinary use, or charges that should have been depreciated.
Evidence of landlord bad faith
Use this path when withholding appears intentional, reckless, or unsupported by evidence and statute.
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline, prepare a demand letter, and map your court path.