Massachusetts deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• 30 days.

  Your landlord has 30 days after your tenancy ends to return your deposit, or send an itemized list of damage, with what's left.

  § 15B(4), (6)

• Off limits.

  Damage charges exclude reasonable wear and tear.

  § 15B(4)

• Miss it, lose it.

  If they don't send the itemized list within 30 days, they lose the right to keep any of it for any reason.

  § 15B(6)(b)

• Three times the deposit.

  Not returning what's owed within 30 days can cost them three times the amount, plus 5% interest, costs and lawyer's fees.

  § 15B(6)(e), (7)

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.