Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Massachusetts

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Massachusetts law says

Itemized deductions	To keep any part of the deposit for damage, the landlord must give the tenant, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, an itemized list of the damage. The list must be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, describe the damage and repairs in precise detail, and include written evidence such as estimates, bills, invoices, or receipts. Move-in statement of condition: when the landlord takes a deposit, it must give a signed statement of condition on receipt of the deposit or within 10 days after the tenancy begins, whichever is later. The tenant has 15 days to return it with any disagreements (§ 15B(2)(c)). Damage listed on that statement cannot later be deducted from the deposit. Deposit records must be kept for 2 years (§ 15B(2)(d)). Source: G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(iii)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	A landlord may deduct from the deposit only unpaid rent or water charges, a share of a real estate tax increase owed under a tax-escalation clause, and the reasonable cost of repairing damage caused by the tenant or people under the tenant's control or on the premises with consent. 'Reasonable wear and tear' is excluded. Damage deductions require an itemized list, sworn under penalties of perjury, detailing the damage and repairs, with written evidence of costs such as estimates, bills or receipts. The statute does not define reasonable wear and tear or list cleaning or painting as allowed deductions. Massachusetts deposit rules are strictly enforced. Deductions not authorized by § 15B can lead to triple damages under § 15B(7). Source: M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(i)-(iii)

Itemized deductions

To keep any part of the deposit for damage, the landlord must give the tenant, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, an itemized list of the damage. The list must be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, describe the damage and repairs in precise detail, and include written evidence such as estimates, bills, invoices, or receipts.

Move-in statement of condition: when the landlord takes a deposit, it must give a signed statement of condition on receipt of the deposit or within 10 days after the tenancy begins, whichever is later. The tenant has 15 days to return it with any disagreements (§ 15B(2)(c)). Damage listed on that statement cannot later be deducted from the deposit. Deposit records must be kept for 2 years (§ 15B(2)(d)).

Source: G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(iii)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

A landlord may deduct from the deposit only unpaid rent or water charges, a share of a real estate tax increase owed under a tax-escalation clause, and the reasonable cost of repairing damage caused by the tenant or people under the tenant's control or on the premises with consent. 'Reasonable wear and tear' is excluded. Damage deductions require an itemized list, sworn under penalties of perjury, detailing the damage and repairs, with written evidence of costs such as estimates, bills or receipts. The statute does not define reasonable wear and tear or list cleaning or painting as allowed deductions.

Massachusetts deposit rules are strictly enforced. Deductions not authorized by § 15B can lead to triple damages under § 15B(7).

Source: M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)(i)-(iii)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Massachusetts tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.