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Last verified: 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high

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

Short answer

At a glance: 30 days

Return deposit (with interest) within 30 days after tenancy ends; sworn itemized damages list

Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out

Return the deposit or balance with interest within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Any damage deduction requires a sworn, itemized list with written cost evidence within the same 30 days.

"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;"
malegislature.gov

"the lessor shall provide to the tenant within such thirty days an itemized list of damages, sworn to by the lessor or his agent under pains and penalties of perjury,"
malegislature.gov

Source: malegislature.gov · Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Full rule details

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Massachusetts rules on this topic

Return deposit (with interest) within 30 days after tenancy ends; sworn itemized damages list Verified

Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out

Return the deposit or balance with interest within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Any damage deduction requires a sworn, itemized list with written cost evidence within the same 30 days.

Applies to: any number of units, when you hold a security deposit · Layer: Massachusetts · Topic: Security deposit return

"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;"
malegislature.gov

"the lessor shall provide to the tenant within such thirty days an itemized list of damages, sworn to by the lessor or his agent under pains and penalties of perjury,"
malegislature.gov

Notes: M.G.L. c.186 §15B(4). Violations can trigger treble damages under §15B(7).

Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction

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