How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 30 days of move-out.

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in Massachusetts?

Small claims court in Massachusetts handles disputes up to $7,000.

← All states

Massachusetts security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

30 days

Small claims limit

$7,000

What you need to know

• Deposit due within 30 days; Massachusetts has strict, technical deposit rules.
• Violations can cost triple plus interest and attorney’s fees; deposits capped at one month’s rent.

Itemization: Itemized, sworn statement of damages with receipts required; strict technical rules apply.

Interest: Interest is owed on your deposit annually.

Deposit cap: Capped at 1 month’s rent.

If they wrongfully withhold: Certain violations: 3x the deposit plus interest, costs, and attorney’s fees.

Statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: Massachusetts landlords must act within 30 days of move-out.

⚖️ Your leverage: wrongful withholding could cost your landlord up to $4,500 (Certain violations: 3x the deposit plus interest, costs, and attorney’s fees.)

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in Massachusetts handles up to $7,000 — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

Document your place in 5 minutes — every photo timestamped and hash-verified.

Protect my $1,500 deposit — free

⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

Document my apartment — free

Timestamped, hash-verified photos in under 5 minutes. No credit card.

DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.