Massachusetts · MA · updated 2026
In Massachusetts, a landlord must return a security deposit within 30 calendar days
Quick answer
A Massachusetts landlord has 30 calendar days after you return possession to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Miss it in bad faith and the landlord can end up owing you more than the deposit itself.
Under Massachusetts security deposit law, a Massachusetts landlord has 30 calendar days to return your security deposit, counted from when you return possession. By statute, the deposit is capped at 1 month's rent. If the landlord misses the deadline or keeps money you are owed, you can push back in writing and, if needed, in small claims court.
- Return deadline
- 30 calendar days
- Deadline counted from
- you return possession
- Itemized statement
- Required
- Move-in condition list
- Required of the landlord
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Interest on deposit
- Required
Calculate your exact Massachusetts deadline
Enter your move-out date to see the exact calendar date the deadline lands on. It runs on your device, so nothing you type is uploaded.
What a Massachusetts landlord can deduct
- Unpaid rent and unpaid utilities you owe under the lease
- Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear (not normal aging, fading, or minor marks)
- An itemized written statement of every deduction (Massachusetts requires it, so ask for it in writing)
If the landlord withholds in bad faith
Treble (3x) damages of the deposit amount plus 5% interest, court costs, and attorney's fees for violations such as failure to provide statement of condition, escrow, or timely itemized return
How to get your deposit back in Massachusetts
- Document the unit's condition at move-out with dated photos of every room (a move-in / move-out checklist keeps it organized).
- Confirm your exact return deadline with the deadline calculator.
- If the deadline passes, send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed.
- If it is still ignored, you can file in small claims court.
Common Massachusetts deposit disputes
- The deadline passed and you have heard nothing
- Send a written demand letter citing the statute and the amount owed. Keep proof you sent it.
- You got money back but disagree with the deductions
- Massachusetts requires an itemized statement, so ask for it in writing first, then dispute anything charged as ordinary wear and tear.
- You are still deciding whether the case is worth it
- Confirm the exact deadline below, gather your dated move-out photos, and read the penalty your state allows before you commit.
Frequently asked
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- In Massachusetts, a landlord must return a security deposit within 30 calendar days.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts caps the security deposit at 1 month's rent.
- Can my Massachusetts landlord keep my deposit for cleaning or normal wear?
- Deductions are generally limited to unpaid rent and damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. Massachusetts requires the landlord to give an itemized statement of deductions.
- Does a Massachusetts landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
- Yes. Massachusetts requires the landlord to pay interest on the security deposit.
- What if my Massachusetts landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
- Treble (3x) damages of the deposit amount plus 5% interest, court costs, and attorney's fees for violations such as failure to provide statement of condition, escrow, or timely itemized return
Clock runs from end of possession/occupancy, not the lease document date. Statement of condition mandatory within 10 days of tenancy start; tenant may dispute within 15 days. Interest 5%/yr or actual bank rate if lower, paid annually and at termination.