Security Deposit Rules: Arlington vs Waltham
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Arlington, MA and Waltham, MA?
Arlington and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
Arlington, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts has one of the nation's strictest security deposit laws. A landlord may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, must hold it in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account, provide a receipt and a written statement of condition, pay annual interest, and return the deposit within 30 days after tenancy ends.
View full Arlington rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts has one of the nation's strictest security deposit laws. A landlord may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, must hold it in a separate interest-bearing Massachusetts bank account, provide a receipt and a written statement of condition, pay annual interest, and return the deposit within 30 days after tenancy ends.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit cap | One month's rent | One month's rent |
| Return deadline | 30 days after tenancy ends | 30 days after tenancy ends |
| Itemized statement | Required (sworn itemized list of damages within 30 days) | Required (sworn itemized list of damages within 30 days) |
| Statute | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, sec. 15B | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, sec. 15B |
| Penalty | Treble damages + 5% interest + court costs + attorney's fees | Treble damages + 5% interest + court costs + attorney's fees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?
No more than one month's rent. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, sec. 15B, a security deposit cannot exceed the amount of the first full month's rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the deposit or any remaining balance, along with an itemized statement of any deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Massachusetts?
A landlord may deduct unpaid rent, unpaid increases in real estate taxes the tenant agreed to pay, and the reasonable cost to repair damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, supported by a sworn, itemized list of damages.
Waltham FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?
No more than one month's rent. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, sec. 15B, a security deposit cannot exceed the amount of the first full month's rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord must return the deposit or any remaining balance, along with an itemized statement of any deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond reasonable wear and tear.
What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Massachusetts?
A landlord may deduct unpaid rent, unpaid increases in real estate taxes the tenant agreed to pay, and the reasonable cost to repair damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, supported by a sworn, itemized list of damages.
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