MakeLease is in early access — early users help shape what we build next.

    Massachusetts Security Deposit Return Letter

    Landlords must return the deposit, with interest and less lawful deductions, within 30 days after a tenancy at will ends or the written lease term ends (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)). The security deposit return letter below is preset for Massachusetts: fill in your details, then print it or save it as a PDF.

    State rules last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    Massachusetts rules for a security deposit return letter

    Deadline to return the security deposit
    30 days after move-out M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4), (6)(e)
    Itemized list of deductions
    Required M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(iii), (6)(b)
    Penalty for a late or improper return
    Three times the deposit (or balance owed) plus 5% interest, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees for failing to escrow, transfer, or return the deposit within 30 days; forfeiture of the right to retain any amount for missing itemization or other violations. M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(6)-(7)

    Security Deposit Return Letter generator

    State and dates

    Massachusetts: Landlords must return the deposit, with interest and less lawful deductions, within 30 days after a tenancy at will ends or the written lease term ends (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)).

    The day the tenant moved out and returned the keys.

    Deadline under Massachusetts's main rule: November 30, 2026 (30 calendar days after the move-out date, October 31, 2026). Read the state rule above for conditions that change it.

    Parties

    Everyone named on the lease. Separate names with commas.

    Where you are sending this letter and any refund. Use the address the tenant gave you in writing.

    Deposit

    $
    $

    Only if your state, city or lease requires interest on deposits. Leave empty otherwise.

    Itemized deductions

    One line per charge: what it is for and the amount. Unused lines are left out. Massachusetts: To deduct for damage, the landlord must give the tenant within 30 days a sworn, itemized list of damages with written evidence of repair costs such as estimates or receipts (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(iii)).

    $
    $
    $
    $
    $
    $

    Several states require supporting documents for repair or cleaning charges. Attach them when you have them.

    Refund or balance

    For example, a note that an estimate will be followed by the final invoice.

    Blank PDF

    Free, no account needed. Showing example details. Replace them with yours.

    Security Deposit Return Letter

    Itemized statement of deductions

    Date:November 12, 2026
    Rental property:123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield
    To (former tenants):Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera
    Forwarding address:88 Birch Road, Apt 2, Shelbyville
    From (landlord):Jordan Ellis, 500 Oak Avenue, Springfield
    Move-out date:October 31, 2026

    Dear Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera:

    This letter accounts for the security deposit you paid for 123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield. You moved out on October 31, 2026. Below is an itemized list of each amount deducted from the deposit and the reason for it, followed by the balance.

    Itemized deductions

    No.Description of chargeAmount
    1Patch and paint hole in bedroom wall$180.00
    2Replace broken bathroom mirror$95.50
    3Remove furniture and trash left in garage$150.00
    Total deductions$425.50

    Deposit accounting

    ItemAmount
    Security deposit received$1,800.00
    Less total deductions- $425.50
    Amount refunded to tenant$1,374.50

    The refund of $1,374.50 is enclosed or sent with this letter by check no. 1043 on November 12, 2026.

    Copies of receipts, invoices or estimates supporting the deductions are enclosed.

    If you have questions about any deduction, contact Jordan Ellis at (555) 010-2030.

    Deposit return rules for Massachusetts: M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4), (6)(e).
    Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)
    Date

    Made free at make.lease/forms/security-deposit-return-letter

    What Massachusetts requires

    Deadline to return the security deposit

    Landlords must return the deposit, with interest and less lawful deductions, within 30 days after a tenancy at will ends or the written lease term ends (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)).

    M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4), (6)(e) · checked October 26, 2026

    Itemized list of deductions

    To deduct for damage, the landlord must give the tenant within 30 days a sworn, itemized list of damages with written evidence of repair costs such as estimates or receipts (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(iii)).

    M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(iii), (6)(b) · checked October 26, 2026

    Penalty for a late or improper return

    A landlord who fails to escrow the deposit or return it within 30 days owes three times the amount due plus 5% interest, costs and attorney's fees (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(6)-(7)).

    M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(6)-(7) · checked October 26, 2026

    If move-out falls on October 31, 2026, 30 calendar days later is November 30, 2026. The form computes this deadline from the dates you enter and shows it under the letter date.

    City and county rules can be stricter than state law, and your lease can require more than the statute does. Use whichever rule gives the tenant more time or protection.

    More for Massachusetts landlords