Newburyport, MA Security Deposit Laws 2026
Massachusetts limits security deposits to 1 month(s) of rent. In Newburyport, that's $2,941 at the median 2BR rent of $2,941/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $8,823+.
In Massachusetts, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 1 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $8,823 or more.
This applies to properties in Newburyport, MA. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Newburyport Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 1 month(s) of rent = $2,941 at Newburyport's median rent
- Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 3x the deposit ($8,823)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in Newburyport
Under Massachusetts law, landlords in Newburyport may collect a maximum security deposit of 1 month(s) of rent, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. At Newburyport's median 2-bedroom rent of $2,941/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $2,941.
$2,941
max deposit (1mo × $2,941)
30 days
return deadline
$8,823
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Newburyport rental, Massachusetts law gives you exactly 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in Newburyport:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate Massachusetts security deposit laws rules in Newburyport and you could owe $8,823+. At Newburyport's median rent of $2,941/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Newburyport Rental Market Context
Newburyport is the 51st-largest city in Massachusetts (population 18,731). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $2,941/month, it falls in the above-average range for Massachusetts rental costs — 36% above the state median of $2,166/month.
How Newburyport Compares in Essex County
Newburyport ranks #8 of 8 cities in Essex County by population. Because security deposit laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lynn | 101,241 | $2,270/mo | $2,270 |
| Lawrence | 88,172 | $2,270/mo | $2,270 |
| Haverhill | 67,415 | $2,270/mo | $2,270 |
| Peabody | 54,056 | $2,270/mo | $2,270 |
| Salem | 44,744 | $2,270/mo | $2,270 |
| Beverly | 42,318 | $2,270/mo | $2,270 |
| Gloucester | 29,959 | $2,270/mo | $2,270 |
| Newburyport | 18,731 | $2,270/mo | $2,270 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Essex County, Massachusetts. All cities follow Massachusetts state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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How Newburyport Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Newburyport landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Newburyport) | Max Deposit (1mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,359/mo | $2,359 | $7,077 |
| 1-Bedroom | $2,476/mo | $2,476 | $7,428 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,941/mo | $2,941 | $8,823 |
| 3-Bedroom | $3,526/mo | $3,526 | $10,578 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Essex County.
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More Newburyport Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
