Security deposit rules in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the deposit is at most 1 month of rent. In Massachusetts, the deposit with interest, or a sworn list of damages and the rest, is due within 30 days after the tenancy ends.
Checked against Massachusetts law on Oct 28, 2026.
What Massachusetts law says
What is the most a landlord can charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the deposit is at most 1 month of rent.
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B(1)(b), read Oct 28, 2026.
How long does a landlord in Massachusetts have to return a security deposit?
In Massachusetts, the deposit with interest, or a sworn list of damages and the rest, is due within 30 days after the tenancy ends.
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B(4), read Oct 28, 2026.
Check your city's rules too: a city or county can set stricter limits. This is general information, not legal advice.