Massachusetts Security Deposit Itemization Letter Template
What a Massachusetts security deposit itemization letter must include under Massachusetts law, and a fill-in draft that follows those rules.
What Massachusetts law requires
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit or the balance. Deductions are allowed only for unpaid rent or water charges, unpaid tax-escalation increases, and reasonable repair of tenant-caused damage beyond reasonable wear and tear. For damage, the landlord must give an itemized list of damages sworn under pains and penalties of perjury, describing in precise detail the damage and the needed repairs, with written evidence of the cost such as estimates, bills, invoices or receipts. Damage listed on the move-in statement of condition may not be deducted unless it was repaired and then caused again. No other deductions are allowed.
Source: G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4)
Fill-in draft
Replace every [bracketed] item. If your state or city requires specific wording, a specific form, or a translated version, that requirement controls over this draft. Courts dismiss eviction cases over defective notices — if anything is unclear, talk to a lawyer.
STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT DEDUCTIONS
To: [former tenant name(s)], at [forwarding address]
Premises: [street address, unit]
Tenancy ended / possession returned on: [date]
Deposit held: $[amount] Interest (if required): $[amount]
Deductions (itemized): [item — reason — cost], [item — reason — cost]
Amount returned: $[amount], sent by [method] on [date]. This statement is provided under G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4).
Date: [date]
Landlord or agent: [name, address, phone]
Signature: ____________________
Proof of delivery: Delivered on [date] by [method required by Massachusetts law] by [name].
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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.