Massachusetts Move-In Checklist & Condition Report
Massachusetts law addresses move-in condition documentation (M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B). Do yours properly in minutes: walk the unit room by room, photos timestamped as you take them, and save a clean, signable PDF — then email it to the other party the same day.
What Massachusetts law says
A landlord who takes a security deposit must give the tenant a signed statement of the unit's present condition, and the tenant may return it with a list of disagreements within fifteen days. (M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B.) Statutes change and details matter — read the current text before relying on it, and get legal advice for your specific situation.
Timestamped photos
Each photo is stamped when you take it and embeds in the report — dated proof of what existed at move-in.
One-tap e-sign
Optional electronic signatures for tenant and landlord, or print and sign on paper.
Email it the same day
A pre-written email sends it to the other party — a dated copy in both inboxes is what wins deposit disputes.
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Last reviewed July 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Statutes are summarized in plain English and may have changed — confirm the current text of M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B or consult an attorney for your situation.
Everything else we’ve researched about Massachusetts
Same state, the problems either side of this one. Each carries its own statute and the date we last checked it.
- Massachusetts rent late fees & grace periodWhat may be charged when rent is late, and the notice to send.
- Massachusetts notice to pay rent or quitHow many days' notice before a nonpayment filing, counted on a calendar.
- Massachusetts deposit return law & letterThe landlord's deadline to return a deposit, and the itemized letter.
- Massachusetts deposit demand letterFor the tenant: whether the landlord is late, and by how many days.
- Massachusetts deposit deduction rulesWhat may fairly come out of a deposit, prorated by useful life.
- Massachusetts emergency plan rulesDrill frequency, filings, prescribed forms and retention, cited.
Questions people ask
- Is a move-in checklist required in Massachusetts?
- A landlord who takes a security deposit must give the tenant a signed statement of the unit's present condition, and the tenant may return it with a list of disagreements within fifteen days. (M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B.) Statutes change — read the current text or get legal advice for your situation.
- Is the condition report tool free?
- Yes — free, no signup. You walk the unit room by room on your phone, photos are timestamped as you take them, and you save a clean, signable PDF. Names and photos never leave your device.
- Why do a condition report at all?
- A dated, photographed record of the unit's condition at move-in is what settles security-deposit disputes at move-out — for tenants and landlords alike. Email it to the other party the same day so both inboxes hold a copy.