Massachusetts Small Claims Court
How to Sue Your Landlord in Massachusetts Small Claims Court
Massachusetts gives landlords 30 days to return your deposit. If they missed it, you may be entitled to up to 3x your deposit in penalties. Here's how to file.
Massachusetts Small Claims — Quick Facts
Filing Fee
$40–$75
Max Claim
$7,000
Hearing Timeline
30–60 days
Attorney Allowed
Yes
Penalty
3x damages plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees
Statute
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B
Step-by-Step: Filing in Massachusetts
Calculate what you're owed
Confirm your landlord missed Massachusetts's 30-day deadline. If they did, calculate your deposit plus any penalties you're entitled to under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B.
Calculate your Massachusetts deadline →Send a demand letter first
Massachusetts courts look favorably on tenants who attempted resolution before filing. Send a formal demand letter citing Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B and the specific amount owed. Give your landlord 7–14 days to respond.
Generate a Massachusetts demand letter →Gather your evidence
Upload photos, your lease, and any communication with your landlord. You'll need move-in and move-out photos, proof your demand letter was sent, and any deduction statements your landlord provided.
Organize your evidence →File your claim
File at the District Court or Boston Municipal Court where the property is located. The filing fee is $40–$75 depending on your claim amount. You can recover this fee if you win.
Find your Massachusetts court →Serve your landlord
Massachusetts accepts the following service methods: Certified mail, Process server, Sheriff, Constable. You cannot serve the papers yourself — have someone else deliver them or use a professional service.
Present your case
Bring copies of everything: your lease, photos, demand letter with proof of mailing, and any communication with your landlord. Present your case clearly and stick to the facts.
Prepare for your hearing →What You Can Claim in Massachusetts
Your full security deposit
The amount your landlord failed to return
Penalty: 3x damages plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B
Interest on your deposit
Massachusetts requires landlords to pay interest: 5% or actual bank rate if higher
Filing fee reimbursement
The court can order your landlord to reimburse your filing costs
Attorney fees
Massachusetts allows recovery of reasonable attorney fees
Example: If your landlord withheld a $1,500 deposit in bad faith in Massachusetts, you could recover up to $6,000 (deposit + 3x penalty) plus your filing fee.
Massachusetts Small Claims FAQ
Do I need a lawyer for Massachusetts small claims court?
Massachusetts allows attorneys in small claims court, but most tenants represent themselves successfully. The process is designed for people without legal training.
How long does Massachusetts small claims court take?
After filing, your hearing is typically scheduled within 30–60 days. The hearing itself usually takes 15–30 minutes. The judge often rules the same day.
What if my landlord doesn't show up to court in Massachusetts?
You win by default. The court will enter a default judgment for the amount you requested, assuming your claim is reasonable and supported by evidence.
How much can I sue for in Massachusetts small claims court?
Massachusetts small claims court handles cases up to $7,000. For security deposits, you may also claim penalties of 3x damages plus interest, court costs, and attorney fees under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B.
Take Action in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Deposit Laws
30-day deadline + penalty details
Massachusetts Demand Letter
Free demand letter citing Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B
Challenge Deductions
Check if your landlord's deductions are valid
Evidence Vault
Organize photos and documents for court
General Filing Guide
Overview of suing for your deposit in any state
Hearing Prep
What to bring and how to present your case
Ready to take action?
Start by calculating your exact deadline and what you're owed. Then generate a demand letter — most landlords respond before you ever need to file.