Boston Renters
Get Your Security Deposit Back in Boston
Your Boston landlord has 30 days to return your security deposit after you move out. Know your rights and hold them accountable.
30
Days to return
$3,000
Avg. rent
680K
Population
Boston Local Info
Massachusetts has one of the strictest security deposit laws in the country. Deposit capped at 1 month's rent, must be held in interest-bearing escrow, landlord must provide receipt, and violations can result in 3x damages.
Local Ordinance
Massachusetts Security Deposit Law — M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B
Landlord must return deposit within 30 days. Must provide itemized list of damages with sworn statement. Must give receipt upon collecting deposit and annually disclose the bank and account number.
Penalties: 3x the security deposit amount for violations of M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. Violations include: failing to hold deposit in a separate interest-bearing account, failing to return within 30 days, or failing to provide a receipt.
Read the full ordinance →Boston Deposit Rules
Interest Required
Yes
5% per year or actual bank interest rate, whichever is less
Max Deposit
1 months' rent
Return Deadline
30 days
Penalty
3x the security deposit amount for violations of M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. Violations include: failing to hold deposit in a separate interest-bearing account, failing to return within 30 days, or failing to provide a receipt.
Get Your Deposit Back in Boston: Step by Step
Check Landlord Compliance with Deposit Rules
Massachusetts requires landlords to hold deposits in a separate interest-bearing account, provide a receipt within 30 days, and pay annual interest. If they failed any of these, you may already have grounds for 3x damages.
Wait for the 30-Day Deadline
Your Boston landlord has exactly 30 days from the end of your tenancy to return the deposit with an itemized list of damages and a sworn statement.
Send a Demand Letter
Reference M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B and note the 3x damages penalty. List every violation: no receipt, no interest payments, no escrow account, or failure to return within 30 days. Send via certified mail.
File in Boston Municipal Court Small Claims
File at 24 New Chardon St. Filing fees are $40-$150. Claim up to $7,000. Request treble (3x) damages, court costs, and attorney fees.
Calculate Your Boston Deadline
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Local Small Claims Court
Court
Boston Municipal Court — Small Claims Session
Address
24 New Chardon St, Boston, MA 02114
Filing Fee
$40-$150
Claims Limit
$7,000
Massachusetts Security Deposit Law
Return Deadline
30 days after move-out
Penalty for Late Return
You can recover treble (3x) damages, plus interest, court costs, and attorney's fees
Boston Security Deposit FAQ
What is the maximum security deposit in Boston?
Exactly one month's rent. Landlords can only collect first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit equal to one month's rent, and the cost of a new lock and key.
Does my Boston landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
Yes. Landlords must hold deposits in a separate, interest-bearing account at a Massachusetts bank and pay you 5% annual interest or the actual bank rate, whichever is less.
What are the penalties for deposit violations in Massachusetts?
3x the deposit amount, plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. This applies if the landlord fails to hold the deposit properly, return it within 30 days, or provide a receipt.
Does my Boston landlord have to give me a deposit receipt?
Yes. Within 30 days of receiving the deposit, the landlord must provide a receipt showing the amount, bank name and address, and account number.
Where do I file a small claims case in Boston?
File at Boston Municipal Court, 24 New Chardon St (Brooke Courthouse). Filing fees range from $40-$150. Claims up to $7,000.