Free MA landlord template
Security Deposit Return Letter
A fill-in-the-blanks security deposit return letter built around M.G.L. c.186 §15B — deposit and interest accounting, an itemized deduction table, and the sworn certification Massachusetts requires for damage deductions.
What’s in the template
- Letter layout with blanks for tenant name, forwarding address, property, deposit amount, receipt date, and interest owed
- An itemized deductions table (unpaid rent, lawful tax escalation, damage beyond reasonable wear and tear) with totals
- The §15B(4)(iii) 'pains and penalties of perjury' certification language for damage deductions, with a reminder to attach written repair-cost evidence
- The 30-day return deadline and treble-damages exposure (§15B(7)) summarized on the form
Massachusetts law context
The deposit balance — plus interest, minus lawful deductions — is due within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Damage deductions require an itemized list signed under the pains and penalties of perjury, with estimates, bills, invoices, or receipts attached (M.G.L. c.186 §15B(4)(iii)).
Reasonable wear and tear is never deductible. Wrongful retention can expose a landlord to three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus interest, costs, and attorney's fees (§15B(7)) — the letter exists to keep you out of that bucket.
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This template is general information for Massachusetts landlords, not legal advice. Statutes change and every tenancy is different — consult an attorney for your specific situation.