Mass. Gen. Laws Chapter 186
Free Massachusetts residential lease template.
Massachusetts caps security deposits at one (1) month rent (Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 186 § 15B). The deposit must be held in a separate interest-bearing account at a Massachusetts bank, with annual interest (5% or actual rate) payable to the tenant. Notice for nonpayment is 14 days. MA is one of the most tenant-friendly states with strong statutory protections.
Download blank Massachusetts lease (PDF)
Free download. 5 statute citations, 3 required disclosures included.
What is in this Massachusetts template
Every blank section maps to a controlling statute. Where Massachusetts law requires verbatim text (e.g., ), the template includes that text exactly as the statute prescribes - do not edit it.
Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 186 § 15B
Security deposit cap
Capped at 1× monthly rent. Held in separate MA bank account.
Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 186 § 15B(3)(b)
Deposit interest
5% annual interest (or actual) payable to tenant.
Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 186 § 15B(4)
Deposit return
30 days from move-out with itemized list.
Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 186 § 11
Eviction notice (nonpayment)
14 days notice to quit.
Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 186 § 12
Notice to terminate (m2m)
30 days written notice.
Required disclosures in Massachusetts
- ·Federal lead-paint disclosure (pre-1978)
- ·Tenant Lead Law Notification (mandatory in MA)
- ·Statement of condition (required at lease signing)
Quick reference for Massachusetts landlords
| Security deposit cap | 1× |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days from move-out |
| Notice before entry | No statutory minimum — courts require "reasonable notice" |
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The Massachusetts template above is the same legal foundation we use in our $49 generator. The paid service adds: real validation against Massachusetts law (we will not let you write a $4000 deposit if the cap is 1×), automatic late-fee math, custom "Additional Provisions" that you write reformatted into proper numbered subsections, polished preview before payment, and 7-day money-back guarantee.
Start the $49 generator →LeaseDrafts is a document generator, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. This template is based on the Massachusetts landlord-tenant code as of the date shown on the document. Always review the final lease with a licensed Massachusetts attorney before using it.