Security deposit law in Massachusetts

The rule in Massachusetts

Massachusetts limits a residential security deposit to 1 month's rent (first month's rent). The wording in M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(b)(iii), (4): “a security deposit equal to the first month's rent.”

The return deadline is 30 days, counted after occupancy ends. The text reads: “within thirty days after the termination of occupancy.”

Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 15 give landlords less time and 9 give more; the median is 30 days. 19 others also allow 30 days, among them Iowa, Kansas, Maine and Michigan.

What the cap means in dollars: $1,000 rent: up to $1,000, $1,500 rent: up to $1,500 and $2,000 rent: up to $2,000.

Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on December 30, 2026.

In neighbouring states with verified rules: Connecticut allows 21 days and caps deposits at two months' rent, New Hampshire allows 30 days and caps deposits at one month's rent, New York allows 14 days and caps deposits at one month's rent, Rhode Island allows 20 days and caps deposits at one month's rent and Vermont allows 14 days and sets no cap.

If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Massachusetts is $7,000 (small claims rules); at the cap, a full-deposit claim fits whenever rent is $7,000 a month or less.

Source: Massachusetts Legislature, G.L. c. 186 § 15B · last checked October 20, 2026.

If the deposit does not come back

The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.