Under M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, landlords in Massachusetts must pay interest on both the security deposit and the last month's rent if these funds are held for more than one year. The interest must be paid annually and credited to the tenant’s account, unless the tenant and landlord have a written agreement stating otherwise.
The first month's rent is not subject to interest requirements. The landlord must hold the security deposit in a separate, interest-bearing account, and the interest accrues for the benefit of the tenant.
Therefore, the landlord must pay interest on both the security deposit and last month's rent.
[Reference: M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B; Massachusetts Real Estate Candidate Information Bulletin – Tenant Rights., ]
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