Massachusetts Security Deposit Demand Letter (M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B)

Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.

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[Your full name]
[Your forwarding address]

October 15, 2026

[Landlord or property manager name]

Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]

Dear [Landlord or property manager name],

I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.

Under M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B, a landlord must return the security deposit, with any interest owed, within 30 days after the end of the tenancy, and any deduction for damage requires a sworn, itemized list with written evidence of the cost. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date].

Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.

If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for three times the deposit amount owed, plus 5% interest, court costs and reasonable legal fees.

I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.

Sincerely,

[Your full name]

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How security deposits work in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, a landlord must return the security deposit, with any interest owed, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord may deduct only unpaid rent or water charges, unpaid tax increases under a valid tax escalation clause, and the reasonable cost of repairing damage the tenant caused beyond normal wear and tear. Nothing else can come out of the deposit.

Any deduction for damage must be backed by an itemized list sworn to by the landlord under the pains and penalties of perjury, along with written evidence such as estimates, bills, invoices or receipts. The landlord generally can't charge for damage that was already noted on the move-in statement of condition. Deposits must be kept in a separate, interest-bearing account.

Massachusetts is strict. A landlord who fails to return the deposit and interest within 30 days, or who never placed it in a separate account, loses the right to keep any of it and can be ordered to pay three times the amount owed, plus 5% interest, court costs and reasonable legal fees. Deposits held a year or more earn interest at 5% a year, or the lower rate the bank actually paid.

What to do, step by step

Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Massachusetts's own deadline under M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Massachusetts limit: $7,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.

What if the landlord ignores the letter?

Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.

In Massachusetts, the rules are set out in Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 186, § 15B. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award three times the deposit amount owed, plus 5% interest, court costs and reasonable legal fees.

Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Massachusetts the limit is $7,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.

Example Massachusetts security deposit demand letter

A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.

Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield

October 5, 2026

Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield

Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield

Dear Oakview Property Management,

I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.

I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.

Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.

If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for three times the deposit amount owed, plus 5% interest, court costs and reasonable legal fees.

I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.

Sincerely,

Jordan Rivera

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Massachusetts landlord have to return a deposit?

30 days after the tenancy ends. Within that time the landlord must return the full deposit with interest, or return the balance along with a sworn, itemized list of damages and written evidence of what the repairs cost.

What proof does a Massachusetts landlord need for deductions?

The itemized list of damages must be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury and come with written evidence, such as estimates, bills, invoices or receipts. Damage already recorded on the move-in statement of condition generally can't be charged to you.

Can I get triple damages for my deposit in Massachusetts?

Often, yes. If the landlord didn't return the deposit and interest within 30 days, or didn't hold it in a separate account, the court awards three times the deposit amount owed, plus 5% interest from the due date, court costs and reasonable legal fees.

What is the Massachusetts small claims limit for deposit cases?

A small claims case can start with a claim of up to $7,000 in the District Court or Boston Municipal Court. The law allows the case to stay in small claims even if the court awards double or triple damages under another statute, so a deposit claim with triple damages can still fit.

Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?

Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.

How should I send the letter?

Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.

FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.