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The Massachusetts Eviction Process, Step by Step: Notice to Quit, Summary Process, and Your Defenses

Under 1 min read
•July 28, 2026
THE BOTTOM LINE

MA eviction (Summary Process) requires a valid Notice to Quit, then a court-filed Summons and Complaint, an Answer, a trial, and a court-ordered execution — a landlord can never remove you without going through all of it.

WHO NEEDS THIS

Any MA tenant who has received a Notice to Quit or been served with eviction papers.

KEY INSIGHTS
  • •Notice periods vary: 14 days for nonpayment, 30 days (or one rental period) for no-cause
  • •A defective notice can void the entire case
  • •Only a sheriff or constable can carry out an eviction, never the landlord
  • •Habitability, retaliation, and discrimination are all valid defenses
DO THIS NEXT

If you've been served, contact legal aid immediately — your Answer date is often your last chance to raise a defense.

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