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Massachusetts Eviction Notice
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Massachusetts at a glance: 14-Day Notice to Quit: Required for nonpayment of rent · Court Process: Summary process action · Month-to-Month Notice: 30 days or one full rental period
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Overview
Eviction Notices in Massachusetts
Massachusetts's eviction process, called "summary process," is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must serve a 14-day notice to quit before filing a summary process action.
Massachusetts has strong tenant protections and courts strictly enforce notice and procedural requirements. Self-help evictions are illegal, and a landlord must obtain a court judgment before removing a tenant.
Key Facts
Massachusetts Eviction Notice — Quick Reference
| Requirement | Massachusetts Rule |
|---|---|
| 14-Day Notice to Quit | Required for nonpayment of rent |
| Court Process | Summary process action |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days or one full rental period |
| Governing Law | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 11-12 |
| Right to Cure | Tenant may pay and stay before judgment in many cases |
Legal Requirements
Massachusetts Legal Requirements
- 14-day written notice to quit required before filing for nonpayment of rent.
- Notice must state the amount owed and the deadline to pay.
- Tenant may have a right to cure by paying rent owed before judgment in certain cases.
- Self-help evictions are prohibited without a court order.
Governing Laws
Massachusetts Governing Laws
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 11
Notice for Nonpayment
Requires a 14-day notice to quit before a landlord may pursue summary process for nonpayment of rent in Massachusetts.
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 184, § 18
Prohibited Practices
Prohibits self-help evictions, including lockouts and utility shutoffs, without a court order.
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's Massachusetts legal resources or your state legislature's official website.
Questions & Answers
Massachusetts Eviction Notice — Frequently Asked Questions
How many days notice is required for nonpayment of rent in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires a 14-day written notice to quit before a landlord may file a summary process action for nonpayment of rent.
What is Massachusetts's eviction process called?
Massachusetts calls its eviction process "summary process," filed in Housing Court or District Court.
Can a Massachusetts tenant stop an eviction by paying rent owed?
In many nonpayment cases, a tenant may have the right to "pay and stay" by paying all rent owed plus costs before judgment, stopping the eviction.