Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law: The Verified Rules (2026)
Every value below cites its statute and shows the date we last checked it. Where we haven't verified a rule yet, we say so — we never guess at the law.
Security deposits
Maximum deposit
VerifiedOne month's rent.
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B · Last verified June 12, 2026 · Deposit interest tool for Massachusetts →
Return deadline
Spot-check advised30 days
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Deposit return tool for Massachusetts →
Itemized statement required
Spot-check advisedYes
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 § 15B · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Deposit return tool for Massachusetts →
Interest on the deposit
VerifiedYes
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Deposit interest tool for Massachusetts →
Interest rule
VerifiedLandlords must pay 5% per year (or the actual rate received from the bank, if lower) on deposits held for at least one year.
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Deposit interest tool for Massachusetts →
Rent, fees, and notice
Late fee limit
VerifiedNo statutory cap (must be reasonable)
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(1)(c) · Last verified June 12, 2026 · Late fee tool for Massachusetts →
Late fee grace period
Verified30 days
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(1)(c) · Last verified June 12, 2026 · Late fee tool for Massachusetts →
Rent increase notice
Spot-check advised30 days
Source: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 12 · Last verified June 1, 2026 · Rent increase notice tool for Massachusetts →
The Massachusetts Landlord Law Cheat Sheet
Everything on this page as a one-page PDF — plus an email when a Massachusetts rule changes.
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Not legal advice. LandlordKit provides general informational tools, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change and vary by city and county. Verify the cited statute and consult a licensed attorney before acting on any result.