Massachusetts move-in and move-out checklist
In Massachusetts a landlord who cannot produce the condition report cannot deduct for damage. The generator builds the room-by-room report, prints the statutory notice and checks the Massachusetts deadline.
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What Massachusetts requires
- Requirement
- Within ten days of the tenancy starting (or on receipt of the deposit, if later) the landlord gives a signed statement of condition with the notice below at the top. The tenant returns it, or a separate list of damage, within fifteen days; the landlord answers a separate list within fifteen days. Nothing listed as pre-existing can be deducted later.
- Notice
- Prescribed by statute, printed verbatim in 12-point bold at the top of the first page.
- Move-in deadline
- 10 days after the tenancy begins.
- Tenant's copy
- Returned within 15 days.
- Deductions
- Depend on this report existing.
- Statute
- Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(2)(c)
Massachusetts checklist FAQ
Within ten days of the tenancy starting (or on receipt of the deposit, if later) the landlord gives a signed statement of condition with the notice below at the top. The tenant returns it, or a separate list of damage, within fifteen days; the landlord answers a separate list within fifteen days. Nothing listed as pre-existing can be deducted later. (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B(2)(c))
The report is a condition of deducting for damage. Without it the landlord is left arguing about the unit's condition from memory, and in Massachusetts the statute resolves that argument in the tenant's favor.
The statute prescribes it word for word and requires 12-point bold at the top of the first page. The generator prints it exactly: "This is a statement of the condition of the premises you have leased or rented. You should read it carefully in order to…"
15 days, after the landlord provides it within 10 days of the tenancy starting. The report says so on its face.
Nail holes, faded paint, light carpet wear and loose handles from ordinary use are wear and tear. Burns, stains, holes, broken fixtures and anything that needs more than routine cleaning is damage. Mark wear as "fair" with a note; reserve "damaged" for what a tenant could be charged for, and photograph it.
Other states
Arizona · Georgia · Kentucky · Michigan · Tennessee · Washington · Montana · Massachusetts deposit itemization
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