Updated 2026 · Massachusetts Law
Security Deposit Laws in Boston, Massachusetts (2026)
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B, landlords in Boston must return your security deposit within 30 days after you vacate the unit. Failure to comply entitles you to the deposit plus statutory penalties. This page is a plain-language reference to Massachusetts's security deposit statute as it applies to Boston renters. Massachusetts imposes some of the strictest deposit penalties in the country: treble damages, mandatory interest, attorney fees, and court costs for violations of Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B.
30
Days to Return
Up to 3× deposit
Penalty
$7,000
Small Claims Limit
Massachusetts Security Deposit Statute — Quick Reference
Return Deadline
30 days after tenancy ends — One of the strictest penalty states
Penalty
You can recover treble (3x) damages, plus interest, court costs, and attorney's fees
Interest Required
Yes — 5% or actual bank rate if higher (All deposits)
Small Claims Limit
$7,000
Filing Fee
$40–$75
The 30-Day Return Deadline in Detail
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B, a Boston landlord has 30 calendar days after the tenancy ends to return your security deposit. If the landlord makes deductions, they must provide a written, itemized statement of each deduction along with copies of receipts, invoices, or estimates supporting each charge.
Important: One of the strictest penalty states. The clock starts when the tenancy legally terminates — typically your move-out date or lease end date, whichever is later. To protect your rights, provide your forwarding address in writing on or before your move-out date.
Penalty for Violation
Massachusetts Statutory Penalty
You can recover treble (3x) damages, plus interest, court costs, and attorney's fees
Cite: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B
3x damages plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees. To recover these penalties, file in small claims court in Boston's jurisdiction. You may also send a formal demand letter first — many landlords return deposits once they receive a written legal demand citing the applicable statute.
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Small Claims Court — Massachusetts
How to find your court
File at the District Court or Boston Municipal Court where the property is located.
Massachusetts court finder →Boston Security Deposit FAQ
How long does a Boston landlord have to return my security deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends, under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(6)(d). The landlord must return the deposit with a written, itemized statement of all deductions. Massachusetts is notable for its strict procedural rules: the landlord must also provide the tenant with a receipt and the name of the bank holding the deposit within 30 days of receiving it.
What is the penalty if my Boston landlord violates the deposit law?
Massachusetts imposes treble damages (3x the amount wrongfully withheld) plus interest on the withheld amount, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees, under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(7). This applies not only to wrongful retention of the deposit but also to procedural violations — including failing to place the deposit in a separate interest-bearing account or failing to provide a timely receipt. Courts have found treble damages appropriate for technical violations.
Does my Boston landlord have to pay interest on my security deposit?
Yes. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(3)(b), landlords must hold deposits in a separate, interest-bearing account in a Massachusetts bank and pay interest annually at 5% per year (or the actual bank rate if higher). The annual interest payment must be made on the anniversary of the tenancy or applied as a credit against rent. Failure to pay interest is itself a violation subject to treble damages.
What procedural steps must a Massachusetts landlord follow at the start of a tenancy?
Massachusetts law requires landlords to: (1) provide a written receipt for the deposit within 30 days, including the bank name and account number; (2) place the deposit in a separate, interest-bearing account in a Massachusetts institution; (3) provide the tenant with a signed written statement of the condition of the premises before accepting the deposit. Failure to follow any of these steps can entitle the tenant to immediate return of the deposit.
How do I sue my Boston landlord in small claims court for my deposit?
File at Boston Municipal Court or the District Court in the district where the rental property is located. The Massachusetts small claims limit is $7,000. Filing fees are $40–$75. If your deposit or damages exceed $7,000, file in District Court under a regular civil action. Given Massachusetts's mandatory treble damages, many deposit cases are worth pursuing even if the deposit itself is below the small claims limit.
Related Resources
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This page is a general legal reference for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Security deposit laws may change; always verify the current statute before taking action. Full disclaimer →