ReclaimDepositMassachusetts Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
30 days
30 days after termination of occupancy
Penalty
3x
3x deposit + interest + attorney fees + court costs
Small claims limit
$7,000
Small Claims Session (District Court or Boston Municipal Court)
Requirements
Move-in checklistRequired
Pre move-out inspectionNot required
Certified mailNot required
Forwarding addressNot required
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. Always verify against the official statute.
- MGL c. 186 § 15B(4) - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days after termination
- MGL c. 186 § 15B(4) - Landlord must provide itemized list of damages with sworn statement
- MGL c. 186 § 15B(4) - Cannot deduct for normal wear and tear
- MGL c. 186 § 15B(7) - Violation results in 3x deposit + interest + fees
- MGL c. 186 § 15B(1)(b) - Deposit limited to 1 month's rent
- MGL c. 186 § 15B(3)(a) - 5% annual interest or actual bank rate required
- MGL c. 186 § 15B(2) - Statement of condition required at tenancy commencement
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.