Massachusetts Security Deposit Law: 30-Day Return & Treble Damages Tool
Under M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B, Massachusetts landlords must return deposits within 30 days with interest. Violations carry mandatory 3x treble damages.
Massachusetts: 30-Day Rule & 3x Treble Damages
Under M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B, Massachusetts landlords must return deposits within 30 days with interest. Violations carry mandatory 3x treble damages.
Why this calculation is mathematically fair
Massachusetts enforces strict liability on deposit handling. Landlords must hold deposits in separate interest-bearing Massachusetts bank accounts, provide 30-day bank receipts, pay 5% annual interest, and provide sworn damage statements under penalty of perjury. Failing to follow these rules triggers mandatory 3x treble damages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty for a landlord violating deposit law in Massachusetts? +
Under M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B(7), the court must award three times the deposit amount (treble damages) plus 5% interest and reasonable attorney fees.
Can a Massachusetts landlord deduct without receipts? +
No. The landlord must provide an itemized list of damages sworn to under the pains and penalties of perjury, accompanied by paid invoices or contractor estimates.
Which court handles Massachusetts deposit disputes? +
The Massachusetts Housing Court has specialized jurisdiction and no dollar ceiling for tenant recovery claims. Small Claims Court handles claims up to $7,000.
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Explore more Security Deposit Rights Tool scenarios
Under California Civil Code § 1950.5, landlords must return your deposit within 21 days. Generate a formal demand letter and claim up to 2x damages.
New York: 14-Day Deposit LawUnder the NY HSTPA (GOB § 7-108), landlords must return security deposits within 14 days or forfeit all deductions. Generate an official demand letter.
Texas: 30-Day & 3x Deposit LawUnder Texas Property Code § 92.109, landlords must return deposits within 30 days. Bad-faith landlords face 3x treble damages plus $100. Send notice.
Florida: 15-Day Deposit LawUnder Florida Statute § 83.49, landlords have 15 to 30 days to return deposits or make claims. Learn your dispute deadlines and send a statutory notice.
Washington: 30-Day Deposit Return & RCW 59.18 RightsUnder RCW 59.18.280 (HB 1074), Washington landlords have 30 days to return deposits. If no signed move-in checklist exists, withholding is barred.
Illinois: 45-Day Deposit Law & Chicago CRLTOUnder 765 ILCS 710/1 and Chicago CRLTO § 5-12-080, landlords face strict return deadlines and 2x statutory damages for wrongful deductions.