Dukes County, Massachusetts: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Massachusetts District Court (small claims) serving Dukes County in Edgartown. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $7,000. Massachusetts return time: 30 days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,379. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Massachusetts District Court (small claims) serving Dukes County |
|---|---|
| City | Edgartown |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $7,000 (statewide) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 3 years |
| Deposit statute | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 15B |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $7,000 (statewide).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | Termination of tenancy/occupancy (end of the tenant's occupancy) |
Massachusetts return rule: 30 days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Massachusetts District Court (small claims) serving Dukes County. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Dukes County.
- The Massachusetts business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the Massachusetts filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: certified mail by clerk.
Procedure source (medium confidence): Filing fee for claims $500 and under $40 each. Filing fee for claims of $501 to $2,000 $50 each. Filing fee for claims of $2,001 to $5,000 $100 each. Filing fee for claims of $5,001 to $7,000 $150 each. Service fee if you choose to eFile your small claim $7 each.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Dukes County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $773 | $1,546 | $2,319 | Fits under the $7,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,379 | $2,758 | $4,137 | Fits under the $7,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $2,321 | $4,642 | $6,963 | Fits under the $7,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,777 | $3,554 | $5,331 | Fits under the $7,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Dukes County compare with other Massachusetts counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,379: rank 18 of 26 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 25.4% of households rent in Dukes County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Worcester | $1,403 |
| Worcester County | $1,403 |
| Dukes County | $1,379 |
| Franklin | $1,304 |
| Franklin County | $1,304 |
| Bristol | $1,247 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 26 of 26 listed counties. Census source.
Free legal help
- South Coastal Counties Legal Services: free legal help for tenants facing eviction, termination of a rent subsidy, or bad housing conditions, denials of admission to public or subsidized housing, and other barriers to safe, affordable housing
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Dukes County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Dukes County?
Massachusetts District Court (small claims) serving Dukes County is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.