Massachusetts Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- 3x (three times the deposit) (failure to return deposit or provide the required itemized list within 30 days — plus 5% annual interest (or bank rate if higher) and court costs)
- The law
- M.G.L. c.186 §15B
The rule
30 days after termination of tenancy AND receipt of the tenant's forwarding address. If the landlord misses it, they forfeit the right to withhold ANY portion and owe 3x (M.G.L. c.186 §15B(6)).
- Forwarding address matters: the 30-day clock starts when the landlord receives your new address — always provide it in writing.
- Deposit cap: 1 month's rent; must be held in a separate interest-bearing account; 5% interest (or bank rate) owed annually.
- Receipt required within 30 days of receiving the deposit, showing bank name, branch, and account number.
- Massachusetts small claims: $7,000.
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In Massachusetts, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on M.G.L. c.186 §15B and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in Massachusetts
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing — in Massachusetts this step starts the clock, so it matters more than usual, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing M.G.L. c.186 §15B and the 3x (three times the deposit) penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
Massachusetts deposit questions
How long does my Massachusetts landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days after termination of tenancy AND receipt of the tenant's forwarding address. If the landlord misses it, they forfeit the right to withhold ANY portion and owe 3x (M.G.L. c.186 §15B(6)).
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including Massachusetts — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check M.G.L. c.186 §15B for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law allows 3x (three times the deposit) for failure to return deposit or provide the required itemized list within 30 days — plus 5% annual interest (or bank rate if higher) and court costs. See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Source: https://rapideyeinspections.com/blog/security-deposit-return-guide/ · Verified 2026-10-09