How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?

30 days after the tenancy ends (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B).

What the statute says

The Massachusetts letter restates the statute this way:

Under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 186, section 15B(4), a landlord must return the security deposit, or any balance of it, 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. If the landlord deducts for damage, the landlord must within the same thirty days give the tenant an itemized list of the damage, sworn to under the pains and penalties of perjury, together with written evidence of the cost of repair such as estimates, bills, invoices, or receipts.

Statute: M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B. Read the statute.

Last reviewed: October 2026