Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in Massachusetts

Massachusetts: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the end of the tenancy. Interest: conditional. Penalty if the refund or statement is late: 3x the deposit. (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, s. 15B)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, real estate tax increase, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: Conditional, 5%.
Penalty: 3x the deposit if the refund or statement is late.
Deposit cap: 1 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

The lessor shall, within thirty days after the termination of occupancy under a tenancy-at-will or the end of the tenancy as specified in a valid written lease agreement, return to the tenant the security deposit or any balance thereof

M.G.L. c. 186, s. 15B(4). Source: M.G.L. c. 186, s. 15B, read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (1)

Forfeiture applies to a missing itemized damage list; per the statute's wording, treble damages attach to the return-deadline failure, not to a defective list.

Research notes (2)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

The treble-damages basis is 'the amount of such security deposit or balance thereof to which the tenant is entitled'; the row uses the deposit (the upper bound) so the exposure is never understated.
Section 15B is long. Only the deposit parts were checked: (1)(b), (2)(c)-(d), (3)(b), (4), (6) and (7).

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 30, 2026
30 calendar days after the end of the tenancy.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $833.42
Interest $333.42.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, s. 15B (Massachusetts)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Interest credited                                  $333.42
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $833.42
Return by                                   October 30, 2026

Notes:
- Damage deductions need an itemized list sworn under the pains and penalties of perjury, plus written evidence such as estimates, bills, invoices or receipts of the actual or estimated cost (15B(4)).
- Itemized under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, s. 15B.

Settle a deposit in Massachusetts

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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