DisputeKit / States / Massachusetts
Your consumer rights in Massachusetts
What Massachusetts and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
30 days. Under Massachusetts General Laws c. 186, § 15B(4), a landlord must return the security deposit or its balance, and for any damage deduction provide an itemized list of damages sworn under the pains and penalties of perjury with written evidence of the repair cost, such as estimates, bills, invoices or receipts within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. If they miss that deadline, they lose the right to keep any part of the deposit. A court may also award three times the security deposit or balance the tenant is entitled to, plus 5% interest, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, if the landlord does not return it within 30 days, did not hold it in a separate interest-bearing account, or did not transfer it to a new owner.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
Massachusetts regulates automatic renewals through regulations, on top of the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act.
Small claims and complaints in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts consumer law
- Massachusetts General Laws c. 93A, § 2 (Consumer Protection Act)
- Where to file a complaint
- Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, Consumer Complaint
- Small claims limit
- $7,000 (a court can still award double or treble statutory damages above this, e.g. under the security deposit law)
- Filing fee
- $40 to $150 depending on the amount claimed, plus $7 if you file online