Massachusetts Security Deposit Return Letter

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter, must be within thirty (30) days after termination of tenancy and vacating]]

To (Former Tenant(s)):
[[Former Tenant 1 Full Legal Name]]
[[Former Tenant 2 Full Legal Name, if joint]]
Forwarding Address for Deposit: [[Full Forwarding Street Address, City, State, ZIP Code]]

From (Landlord or Authorized Agent):
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Legal Name or Entity Name]]
Mailing Address: [[Landlord Mailing Address for Notices]]
Phone: [[Phone Number]] | Email: [[Email Address]]

Premises Formerly Occupied:
[[Street Address, Unit Number]]
[[City]], Massachusetts [[ZIP Code]]

Tenancy Termination Date: [[Date Tenancy Ended / Keys Returned, end of lease or vacate date]]

Date Keys / Possession Returned: [[Date All Keys, Access Devices, and Possession Returned]]

Security Deposit Amount Originally Received: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]

Last Month's Rent (if held separately): $[[Last Month Rent Amount or "N/A"]]

Pet Deposit or Other Deposits (if any): $[[Pet or Other Deposit Amount or "N/A"]]

Total Deposits Held: $[[Total Deposits Held]]

Interest Accrued (if applicable): $[[Interest Amount or "To be calculated per M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B"]], -

Dear [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]:

This letter constitutes the written accounting and return (or statement of deductions) of your security deposit (and any other deposits held) for the above Premises in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 15B.

Summary of Massachusetts Security Deposit Law (M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B):

• The security deposit may not exceed one (1) month's rent.

• The deposit must be held in a separate, interest-bearing account in a bank located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

• Landlord must provide a written receipt identifying the bank and account number within thirty (30) days of receipt of the deposit.

• Landlord must provide an annual statement of interest (at 5% per year or such lesser amount actually received) or credit the interest against rent.

• The deposit must be returned, together with any accrued interest and an itemized statement of any deductions, within thirty (30) days after termination of the tenancy and the tenant vacating the Premises and returning all keys/possession.

• Permissible deductions are limited to: (a) unpaid rent; (b) a reasonable amount necessary to repair damage to the Premises caused by the tenant's negligence, carelessness, or intentional misconduct (ordinary wear and tear excepted); and (c) a reasonable amount necessary to clean the Premises to the condition at the commencement of the tenancy (ordinary wear and tear excepted).

• Failure to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within thirty days may result in the landlord forfeiting the right to make any deductions and liability for three (3) times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus interest, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees.

We conducted a move-out inspection. A copy of the move-in / move-out condition checklist (if completed and signed) and supporting documentation (photos, receipts, invoices, estimates) for any deductions claimed are available upon request or are attached., -

Option A, Full Return with No Deductions

If no deductions apply:

We are returning your security deposit (and any pet deposit or other deposit, if held) in full, together with accrued interest.

Total Amount Being Returned: $[[Total Amount Returned]]

Payment Method and Details:
[[Check #XXXX enclosed with this letter mailed to the forwarding address above / Electronic funds transfer initiated on [[Date]] to the account on file / Other method: [[Describe]]]]

Interest Credited: $[[Interest Amount]] (calculated at 5% or the actual bank rate, whichever is less, for the period held).

No itemized deductions are claimed. The Premises was returned in acceptable condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted., -

Option B, Itemized Deductions and Partial or No Return

If deductions apply, the following itemized statement is provided as required by law.

Deposit Summary:

Itemized Deductions (with amounts and supporting documentation references):

1. Unpaid Rent: $[[Amount]] for the period [[Month(s)/Period]], reason: [[e.g., final month rent not paid; see ledger attached]]
Supporting documentation: [[Rent ledger excerpt / invoice reference / "Attached as Exhibit A"]]

2. Cleaning to restore the Premises to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted): $[[Amount]]
Description: [[e.g., professional carpet cleaning of all bedrooms and living areas; full unit cleaning due to excessive pet hair and trash left behind]]
Supporting: [[Receipt from [[Cleaning Company Name]] dated [[Date]] / photos]]

3. Repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear: $[[Amount]]
Description: [[e.g., repair of hole in drywall in living room caused by tenant-installed mounting hardware; replacement of damaged window screen]]
Supporting: [[Invoice from [[Repair Vendor]] dated [[Date]] / photos / estimate]]

4. Other permitted deduction (specify): $[[Amount]]
Description: [[Detailed factual description]]
Supporting: [[Documentation reference]]

Total Deductions: $[[Sum of all itemized]]

Net Balance: As shown in the summary table above.

If the balance is due to the tenant, it is enclosed or being sent by the method stated. If any amount remains due from the tenant after application of the deposit, a separate invoice is attached or will be provided., -

Forwarding Address Confirmation and Final Accounting

The deposit and/or statement is being sent to the forwarding address you provided. If your address has changed since vacating, notify us immediately in writing.

Any interest that accrued after the last annual statement is included in this accounting., -

Pre-Return Landlord Compliance Checklist (Internal)

Landlord confirms the following steps were completed (retained in file):

1. Deposit was held in a separate interest-bearing account in a Massachusetts bank.

2. Tenant was provided written receipt identifying bank and account number within 30 days of receipt.

3. Annual interest statements (or credits) were provided or tenant was given opportunity to deduct.

4. Move-in and move-out condition statements were completed where required.

5. Itemized statement (this letter) is being provided within 30 days of tenancy termination and vacating.

6. Supporting receipts/invoices/estimates for deductions over any threshold are available.

7. Any remaining balance and interest is being returned or credited., -

Tenant Rights and Dispute Process

If you dispute any deduction or the amount returned:

• Respond in writing within a reasonable time with specific objections and supporting evidence.

• You may be entitled to the deposit balance plus interest, and in cases of landlord non-compliance, up to three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus costs and fees under M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B(7).

• Small claims court (or Housing Court where available) is the typical venue for deposit disputes., -

Disclaimer and Sources

> Template, not professional legal advice. This security deposit return letter and accounting is a template designed to assist compliance with M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B. Every situation is fact-specific. Landlords must keep accurate records and may only deduct amounts actually permitted by statute. Failure to comply with timing, itemization, or account requirements can result in forfeiture of deductions and treble damages. Consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney for your specific facts. As of June 2026.

Sources (as of June 2026):

• M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B (Security deposits; entrance of premises prior to termination; payments; receipts; interest; records)

• 940 CMR 3.17 (Attorney General regulations on security deposits and landlord-tenant relations)

• Massachusetts Law About Tenants' Security Deposits (mass.gov)

• Massachusetts Housing Court and small claims procedures for deposit disputes, -

*Massachusetts Security Deposit Return Letter, airealtydesk.pro*