Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts
what the difference between security deposit and last months rent
1 Answer from Attorneys
A security deposit is to be used for damages caused by the tenant. There are some very specific steps to be taken to take and keep a security deposit. there must be a statement of conditions, requirements on the nature of the account for the deposit, interest paid on the deposit and limits on use of the money after the tenant leaves. There also has to be an accounting of the application of the money within thirty days after the tenant vacates. There are specific requirements for this accounting as well. A last month rent deposit is a deposit to be applied to the tenant's last month of rent. While there are some requirements for this as well, they are a lot less particular and detailed than a security deposit.