Tenant exposure · Massachusetts

The back rent isn't
the whole story.

In a Massachusetts eviction, what you "owe" can shrink — or flip — once habitability abatement and security-deposit triple damages are counted. Enter your numbers and see your net exposure. Free, no sign-up.

Step 1
What does the landlord say you owe?
3

Many late-fee and "use and occupancy" add-ons are limited by law or the lease. We include what you enter as the landlord's claim.

Step 2
Conditions in your unit

Breach of the warranty of habitability can reduce the rent you owe (rent abatement) when the landlord knew and didn't fix it. This estimate applies a rough abatement to the rent owed for illustration only.

Step 3
Your security deposit

Under c. 186 §15B, strict violations (no receipts, no separate MA account, no 5% interest, late return) can mean triple the deposit plus interest, fees, and costs — often more than the back rent. "Not sure" is common and worth checking.

$3,600
Estimated net you'd owe
Rent & fees claimed3 months + fees$5,400
Habitability abatementEstimated reduction– $0
Security-deposit damagesc. 186 §15B– $0
Estimated net exposure$3,600
Know someone facing eviction?

Key Massachusetts tenant numbers

Security-deposit damages
Triple the deposit for c. 186 §15B violations, plus 5% interest, fees, costs
14
Days — nonpayment notice
Notice to Quit for nonpayment; you may revive by paying
3
Days before court
Your answer & discovery deadline
6
Months — retaliation window
Eviction soon after you assert a right is presumed retaliatory (c. 186 §18)

This calculator is an educational illustration based on the figures you enter — not a legal opinion, a settlement value, or a prediction of any outcome. Habitability abatement and security-deposit damages depend on the specific facts, what the landlord knew, strict statutory compliance, and a judge's findings; the percentages used here are rough illustrations only. Actual results vary. Confirm everything with the statutes (M.G.L. c. 186, c. 239) and a licensed attorney before relying on it. Using this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship, which forms only on a signed limited-scope engagement. Massachusetts Eviction Law is a private law practice, is not a government agency, and is not affiliated with any court or the Massachusetts Trial Court. See our Privacy Policy. Attorney advertising.