Massachusetts Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Massachusetts renters.
Return deadline
30 days
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
3× the deposit plus interest, costs and attorney fees
Governing statute
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B
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Check my Massachusetts deadlineMassachusetts security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B, a Massachusetts landlord generally has 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if a Massachusetts landlord returns the deposit late?
3× the deposit plus interest, costs and attorney fees. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Massachusetts landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Massachusetts?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.