How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, a landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the security deposit, together with an itemised statement of any deductions. Massachusetts also requires interest to be paid on the deposit: 5 % or the bank rate, paid annually; the deposit must be in a separate Massachusetts account named to the tenant. This is M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B.
| What | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Deadline to return | 30 days |
| Itemised statement required | Yes |
| Interest payable to the tenant | Yes |
Source
M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B — last checked 2026-09-15.
This is a summary of a published statute, not legal advice. Rules change, local ordinances can add to them, and the terms of a specific lease may differ. Check the citation and speak to a lawyer before acting.
How Seayora uses this rule
Seayora computes the deadline this rule sets from the tenancy’s own dates, shows it on the lease and the deposit statement, and reminds the landlord before it falls due — so the answer above is not reference material sitting beside the product, it is the rule the product enforces.
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