LegalCals

Massachusetts Security Deposit Rules

Official deposit limits, return deadlines, and legal citations for this state.

Deposit Requirements

Maximum Deposit
1 month's rent
Return Deadline
30
Itemized Statement Required
Yes
Interest Required
Yes
Pet Deposit Rules
No separate statutory pet deposit limit; included in max deposit.
Allowed Deductions
Damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, unpaid water bills, and unpaid real estate taxes (if lease requires tenant to pay).

Security Deposit Timeline

  1. Maximum Deposit

    1 month's rent

  2. Return Deadline

    30

  3. Itemized Statement

    Yes

  4. Interest Required

    Yes

  5. Pet Deposit Rules

    No separate statutory pet deposit limit; included in max deposit.

  6. Allowed Deductions

    Damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, unpaid water bills, and unpaid real estate taxes (if lease requires tenant to pay).

Legal Citations

  • Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B