Key Takeaways
- Security deposits in MA are capped at one month's rent
- Last month's rent and lock/key deposits are also capped at one month each
- Landlords must pay 5% annual interest on security deposits (or current bank rate)
- Security deposits must be returned within 30 days of lease termination
- Massachusetts has strong tenant protections including warranty of habitability
Last updated: January 2026
Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law
Massachusetts has strong tenant protections and specific requirements for landlords.
Security Deposit Rules
Deposit Limits
| Type | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Security deposit | 1 month's rent |
| Last month's rent | 1 month's rent |
| Lock/key deposit | 1 month's rent |
| Maximum total at move-in | 3 months' rent |
Required Documentation
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Statement of condition | Within 10 days of move-in |
| Receipt | For each payment |
| Bank information | Where deposit is held |
| Interest statement | Annual statement |
Interest on Deposits
Security Deposit Interest
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Rate | 5% per year (or bank rate) |
| Payment | Annual or at termination |
| Crediting | Can credit toward rent |
Last Month's Rent Interest
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Rate | 5% per year (or bank rate) |
| Purpose | Compensate for advance payment |
| Payment | Same as security deposit |
Return of Deposits
Timeline
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Return deposit | 30 days after termination |
| Itemized statement | If deductions made |
| Interest included | With return |
Allowable Deductions
| Can Deduct | Cannot Deduct |
|---|---|
| Unpaid rent | Normal wear and tear |
| Damage beyond normal | Pre-existing damage |
| Unpaid utilities | Improvements made |
Penalties for Non-Compliance
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to return | 3x deposit as damages |
| No statement of condition | Cannot make deductions |
| No interest payment | Interest plus damages |
Warranty of Habitability
Landlord Must Provide
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Heat | Minimum 64°F (Oct-May) |
| Hot water | At least 110°F |
| Electricity | Proper wiring |
| Plumbing | Working systems |
| Structural safety | Code compliance |
Tenant Rights
| Right | Description |
|---|---|
| Withhold rent | For serious violations |
| Repair and deduct | For certain repairs |
| Report violations | To housing authority |
| Terminate lease | For serious breaches |
Eviction Process
Required Steps
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Notice | Written notice to tenant |
| 2. Summary process | Court filing |
| 3. Hearing | Tenant can appear |
| 4. Judgment | Court decides |
| 5. Execution | Sheriff enforces |
Prohibited Practices
| Illegal | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-help eviction | Changing locks |
| Utility shutoff | To force out tenant |
| Retaliation | For complaints |
| Removing belongings | Without court order |
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Test Your Knowledge
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can require in Massachusetts?
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Test Your Knowledge
How long does a Massachusetts landlord have to return a security deposit after a tenant moves out?
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D