Massachusetts Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rentMassachusetts generally caps residential security deposits at 1 month's rent. A lease clause demanding more than that may be unenforceable — the FAQ below covers the exact conditions.
Educational information: generated from our Massachusetts law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Massachusetts compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Massachusetts compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 1 month's rent |
| Michigan | 1.5 months' rent |
| Minnesota | no statewide limit (local caps in some cities) |
| Mississippi | no statutory limit |
| Missouri | 2 months' rent |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Maximum 1 month rent (separate from first/last month rent and key deposit). Must be held in separate interest-bearing MA bank account. Interest paid annually at lower of 5% or actual bank rate. Receipt required within 30 days. Violation: triple damages plus attorney fees.
- Does Massachusetts require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- Yes — Massachusetts requires landlords to pay interest on held security deposits in covered rentals. It is one of 14 US jurisdictions with an interest requirement.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Massachusetts Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Massachusetts law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Massachusetts lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts for your specific situation.