🇺🇸 Massachusetts tenant document
Landlord kept your deposit? Check the Massachusetts return rules, then challenge withheld funds with an organized written demand, your dates and amounts, an evidence plan, and official starting points in one downloadable pack.
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Official framework
Massachusetts General Laws chapter 186, § 15B
Massachusetts generally requires the landlord to return the security deposit or balance, with any interest due, within 30 days after the tenancy or occupancy ends, and to provide any sworn, itemized list of damages with written cost evidence within the same 30 days.
Read the official statute ↗Content reviewed October 1, 2026. General information only—not legal advice.
Massachusetts security deposit rules
Massachusetts General Laws chapter 186, § 15B generally requires a landlord to return a security deposit, with any interest due, within 30 days after the tenancy or occupancy ends, and any deduction for damage must be backed by an itemized list sworn under the pains and penalties of perjury with written evidence of the repair cost. The deposit must be held in a separate, interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account, and § 15B(7) provides for three times the amount due, plus interest, costs, and attorney’s fees, when a court finds certain failures, such as late return or improper holding of the deposit.
Watch your own deadline: Section 15B does not require a demand before suit. A separate Consumer Protection Act claim under M.G.L. c. 93A, § 9(3) does require a written demand describing the unfair or deceptive practice and your injury, mailed or delivered at least 30 days before filing. This letter is not framed as a c. 93A demand; if you may pursue that claim, consider sending one and keep proof of delivery.
Check coverage: Section 15B(9) excludes vacation or recreational rentals of 100 days or less. Last month’s rent paid in advance is treated separately under § 15B(2)(a), and § 15B(5) makes a successor owner responsible for a deposit held when the property is transferred.
These are general summaries, not conclusions about your situation. Review the linked official text and obtain legal advice when needed.
Deadline calculator · Normal wear and tear vs. damage · How to get your deposit back · Deadlines in other states
Massachusetts deposit dispute
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Massachusetts generally requires the landlord to return the security deposit or balance, with any interest due, within 30 days after the tenancy or occupancy ends, and to provide any sworn, itemized list of damages with written cost evidence within the same 30 days. Check the official statute for the conditions that apply to your tenancy.
No. The pack organizes a written demand and supporting record. The lease, facts, delivery, evidence, defenses, and any court decision control the result.
A personalized demand letter, timing worksheet, deduction dispute organizer, evidence and delivery log, and escalation-preparation sheet with official source links.
No. It identifies provisions to review and makes clear that potential enhanced remedies depend on facts and, if disputed, a court determination.
Yes. Complete the guided form to see a personalized preview. The finished five-part PDF costs $39 USD as a one-time purchase.