Massachusetts security deposit law
Did your landlord keep your deposit? Here's what Massachusetts law requires — and what they owe you if they broke it.
Return deadline
30 days
Max penalty
3x withheld
Small claims limit
$7,000.00
The deadline
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B, your landlord must return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after you move out.
If they miss it or withhold in bad faith
Three times the deposit plus interest, costs and attorney's fees.
Deductions that usually aren't allowed
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes)
- Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants
- Damage that existed before you moved in
- Charges with no receipts or itemization
How to get it back
Send a formal demand letter by certified mail citing Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B, give the landlord 14 days to pay, then file in Massachusetts small claims court (up to $7,000.00) if they don't.
Check your case in 3 minutes — free
We'll check your dates and every deduction against Massachusetts law and show what you're owed.
Run Massachusetts auditInformational only, not legal advice. Verify current law before relying on it.