MA · EVICT-NTC · Updated August 2026 · Free

Massachusetts Eviction Notice PDF

Not Attorney-ReviewedAuthor: Arjun AnnamalaiMethodology: Statutory Verification

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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

RequirementMassachusetts Rule
14-Day Notice to QuitRequired for nonpayment of rent
Court ProcessSummary process action
Month-to-Month Notice30 days or one full rental period
Governing LawMass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 11-12
Right to CureTenant 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.