My landlord didn't return my deposit in 30 days but is blaming it on the bank.

Under our Massachusetts statute the landlord must return the security deposit withing 30 days. The landlord may deduct for certain items specified in the statute, but may only deduct for damages if he complied with certain requirements of the statute when the security deposit was received and within the 30 days provides a sworn statement itemizing the damages and the costs of repair, with written evidence of such costs. Landlord forfeits all right to retain any part of the security deposit "for any reason" if the landlord fails to meet any of 5 requirements set out in paragraph 6. One of these is the failure to provide the list of damages within 30 days. For three of the five items the landlord is liable for treble damages, court costs and a reasonable attorney's fee. See General Laws c. 186, s. 15B, paragraphs 2, 4, 6 & 7.

Having said that the question is whether you want to bring a small claims action for $80, even if tripled. You could bring that small claims action and request three times the entire security deposit (less the amount returned), plus any interest due under the statute. His claim that he usually gives $80 to a cleaning service might seem to the court to be an admission that in his opinion he views "dirty" as damaged (very questionable) and since he does it every time he makes no effort ever to comply with the statute. If there is a Housing Court serving your county you might bring the action there where all they do all day is deal with housing issues.

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