Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Massachusetts landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Massachusetts at a glance: Security deposit limit: 1 month's rent. Return deadline: 30 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Interest required
- Yes
The rule: Max one month's rent. The deposit must be kept in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account, with interest paid every year. It must be returned within 30 days after the tenancy ends; any deduction for damage needs an itemized list, signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, with estimates, bills or receipts (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 14 days notice
- Lease violation
- 30 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 30 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- 30 days
- Maximum late fee
- No limit
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- Local controls in some cities
- Landlord entry notice
- Reasonable notice
Primary statute reference: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186
Sources
When to use Massachusetts document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Massachusetts landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Massachusetts documents.
Common mistakes in Massachusetts
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Massachusetts documents
Frequently asked questions
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In Massachusetts the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The return deadline is 30 days. Max one month's rent. The deposit must be kept in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account, with interest paid every year. It must be returned within 30 days after the tenancy ends; any deduction for damage needs an itemized list, signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, with estimates, bills or receipts (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B).
Confirm current rules in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186.
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Massachusetts month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Massachusetts lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Massachusetts sources before relying on this information.
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