Massachusetts Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy or surrender of premises.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent and water charges, real estate tax increases if specified in lease, reasonable repair of damages beyond normal wear and tear. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary use of the premises by the tenant.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to treble (triple) the amount wrongfully withheld plus 5% interest, court costs, and attorney fees under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B(7).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1 month rent
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $7,000
- Interest on deposit: Required by statute
Additional Protections
- Deposit must be held in a separate interest-bearing account in Massachusetts
- Landlord must provide receipt with bank name and account number within 30 days
- Landlord must provide statement of condition within 10 days of move-in
- Treble damages for violations of any provision
What Your Massachusetts Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Massachusetts's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Massachusetts law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary use of the premises by the tenant...
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Massachusetts Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Massachusetts?
Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy or surrender of premises. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Massachusetts landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Massachusetts, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent and water charges, real estate tax increases if specified in lease, reasonable repair of damages beyond normal wear and tear. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts: Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary use of the premises by the tenant. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Massachusetts landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to treble (triple) the amount wrongfully withheld plus 5% interest, court costs, and attorney fees under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B(7). You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts small claims court handles cases up to $7,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Massachusetts?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Massachusetts-specific dispute letter citing Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, §15B and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.