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Boston, MA · Security deposit

Boston security deposit

Security-deposit caps, itemization, and return deadlines for a Boston rental live mainly in Massachusetts law (Massachusetts estates for years and summary process statutes). Photograph the unit, return keys the way the lease requires, and keep a forwarding address. Inspectional Services is the Boston conditions door. Housing Court is the possession door. Confirm any Boston-only ordinance on the City site. This desk does not reprint a dollar cap.

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Do this today

  • Photograph the empty unit and the keys as you return them.
  • Give a forwarding address in writing.
  • Keep the lease, the deduction list, and proof of mailing.
  • Open the Massachusetts deposit chapter before you treat a blog as the clock.

Who sets the deposit rule in Boston?

Usually Massachusetts — Massachusetts estates for years and summary process statutes. Some cities add their own itemization or holding rules. Inspectional Services is the Boston conditions door. Housing Court is the possession door. Confirm any Boston-only ordinance on the City site. This desk names the chapter. It does not reprint a cap or a day-count.

What evidence actually matters?

Move-in and move-out photos with dates, the lease, the forwarding address you gave, proof you returned the keys, and any deduction list. A text argument without photos is a weak file.

The Boston layer

Inspectional Services is the Boston conditions door. Housing Court is the possession door. Confirm any Boston-only ordinance on the City site.

Massachusetts estates for years and summary process statutes (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186; ch. 239) is the Massachusetts floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.

Boston questions

How do I get my security deposit back in Boston?

Photograph the unit, return the keys as the lease requires, and give a forwarding address in writing. The clock and the cap live mainly in Massachusetts estates for years and summary process statutes. Inspectional Services is the Boston conditions door. Housing Court is the possession door. Confirm any Boston-only ordinance on the City site.

Does Boston set its own deposit deadline?

Sometimes a city adds a rule; often it does not. Inspectional Services is the Boston conditions door. Housing Court is the possession door. Confirm any Boston-only ordinance on the City site. Confirm with Boston Inspectional Services and the Massachusetts chapter. We do not invent a day-count.

What number should I call in Boston?

Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. Boston Inspectional Services does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.

National answers on this desk

Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org