Renter's Vault
Massachusetts Security Deposit Law: How to Get Your Deposit Back
If you rent in Massachusetts, the law gives you specific rights when you move out — a deadline for your landlord to return your deposit, rules on deductions, and a path to push back if they don't. Here's exactly how it works, and how to protect yourself.
Massachusetts-specific rules to know
Deposit capped at 1 month's rent. Interest at 5% per year (or actual rate if higher) payable to tenant annually and at end of tenancy. Landlord must provide itemised statement within 30 days. Return 30 days after termination.
What Massachusetts law requires your landlord to do
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B, a Massachusetts landlord generally must return your deposit within 30 days and provide a written, itemized list of any amounts withheld. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear — only for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and statute allow.
What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit in Massachusetts
1. Know your deadline
In Massachusetts, the return window is 30 days (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B). Mark the date you moved out and count forward.
2. Send a written demand
Email and mail a dated letter requesting your full deposit, referencing the 30-day deadline under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B. Keep proof of delivery. Renter's Vault generates a Massachusetts-specific letter with the right statute citation filled in.
3. Gather your evidence
Move-in and move-out photos with timestamps and location are the difference between your word and theirs. Attach your photo record and any move-in checklist.
4. Escalate to small claims
If the landlord misses the deadline or won't respond, you can file in small claims court. Bring your dated demand letter and photo evidence.
Free Massachusetts dispute-letter guide
A clear, statute-cited demand letter resolves most deposit disputes without ever going to court. Renter's Vault builds a Massachusetts letter for you — pre-filled with Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B, your deadline, and your deductions — in three escalating versions (first request, formal demand, and notice of intent to file).
Get the Massachusetts letter in the appDocument your rental the day you move in — timestamped, GPS-tagged, hash-verified photos stored in your own Google Drive. The strongest deposit defense is evidence you captured before anything went wrong.
Get Renter's Vault on Google PlayFree to start. Lease Pass $9.99/yr (manual renewal, never auto-charged) or Lifetime Pro $29.99 once — all state law packs included.
Massachusetts security deposit FAQ
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B, a Massachusetts landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Massachusetts?
Send a written demand letter that cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B and the deadline, keep copies of all communication and your move-in/move-out photos, and if that fails you can file in small claims court. Many states allow extra damages when a landlord withholds a deposit in bad faith.
Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the statutory deposit limit is: 1 month of rent. Always confirm against the current statute, since limits and exceptions change.
Are there any special deposit rules in Massachusetts?
Yes. Notable Massachusetts rules: Deposit capped at 1 month's rent. Interest at 5% per year (or actual rate if higher) payable to tenant annually and at end of tenancy. Landlord must provide itemised statement within 30 days. Return 30 days after termination.
This page is general information for tenants, not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm the current text of Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B or consult a local attorney or tenants' rights organization for your situation. Last reviewed May 2026.