What is the security deposit limit in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts strictly caps security deposits at one month's rent. This limit cannot be waived. The deposit must be held in a separate interest-bearing account and returned within 30 days of move-out.

Does a Massachusetts landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit?

Yes. Massachusetts requires landlords to pay annual interest on security deposits at 5% or the bank's rate, whichever is lower. Failure to comply with deposit rules can result in forfeiture of the entire deposit.

Does Massachusetts have rent control?

No. Massachusetts voters repealed rent control statewide in 1994. Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline previously had local programs. There is currently no active rent control in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts • Updated 2025

Massachusetts Lease Agreement Template

Free, state-specific lease agreement template fully compliant with Massachusetts law. Download instantly in PDF or Word format — no email required.

Lease Agreements in Massachusetts

Massachusetts landlord-tenant law is governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 and ch. 239. Massachusetts caps security deposits at one month's rent — one of the stricter limits in the country — and requires deposits returned within 30 days. Massachusetts has no current statewide or active local rent control. Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline previously had rent control repealed by a 1994 statewide referendum. Evictions begin with a 14-day notice for non-payment.

Massachusetts Lease Agreement Key Facts

Security Deposit Limit

1 month's rent

Deposit Return Deadline

30 days after move-out

Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month

30 days (equal to rental period)

Eviction Notice (Non-Payment)

14-Day Notice to Quit

Deposit Interest

Required annually (5% or savings rate)

Rent Control

None (repealed statewide in 1994)

Governing Law

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186

Massachusetts Legal Requirements

✓Security deposit capped at 1 month's rent.
✓Deposits must be held in a separate interest-bearing account.
✓Annual interest (5% or bank rate) must be paid to tenant each year.
✓Landlords must provide a written receipt for the deposit.
✓Deposits must be returned within 30 days with itemized deductions.
✓Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 properties; Massachusetts requires deleading for units with children under 6.

Massachusetts Governing Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B

Security Deposits

Strictly limits deposits to 1 month's rent, requires interest-bearing accounts, annual interest payments, and return within 30 days with itemized deductions.

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 239, § 1

Summary Process (Evictions)

Governs Massachusetts eviction proceedings. After a 14-day notice to quit for non-payment, the landlord may file a summary process action.

Massachusetts Lease Agreement — FAQ

Legal Disclaimer

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may have changed — consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney for complex situations.