Massachusetts One-Month Security Deposit Limit

Under c.186 § 15B, a lessor may accept a security deposit equal to no more than one month’s rent. Massachusetts separately permits certain other lawful upfront payments, so the security deposit should be identified distinctly from first or last month’s rent.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited

Security depositMax 1 month’s rent

Statewide statutory limit.

Do not combine different upfront payments

First month’s rent, last month’s rent, a security deposit and certain lock/key costs have different legal treatment. Review the lease and receipts to see what each payment was called and how it was handled.

Educational information only. Massachusetts security-deposit rules are detailed and local/housing-specific facts can matter. This page does not provide legal advice.

Official sources

Massachusetts LegislatureMassachusetts General Laws c.186 § 15B ↗

Primary law for security-deposit amount, receipts, statement of condition, banking, interest, deductions and 30-day return.

Mass.govSecurity deposits and last month’s rent ↗

Official Massachusetts consumer guidance on deposit limits, banking, interest and move-out deductions.

Related Massachusetts guides

Security Deposit →30-Day Rule →Statement of Condition →Damage Itemization →