Massachusetts Eviction Notice (2026)

Notice to pay rent or quit, cure a violation or vacate — with your state's exact notice period, statutory wording, day counting and service rules.

Updated September 2026≈ 6 minReviewed against Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, § 11

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What you'll get

Sample first page of the Eviction Notice. Your answers fill in the blanks; the clauses required in Massachusetts are added automatically.

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What this document covers

Reason: nonpayment, lease violation or unconditional quit
State notice period and day counting
Tenants, occupants and premises
Amount past due and rental periods
Where, when and how rent may be paid
Description of the violation and how to cure
Statutory wording and bold notices your state requires
CARES Act 30-day rule for covered properties
Method of service permitted in your state
Proof of service for the court

Massachusetts rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent	14 days — 14-Day Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of RentSource: Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, § 11 (leases); § 12 (tenancy at will)
Lease violation	set by the lease — no statutory right to cureSource: No statutory period; governed by lease terms (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, § 11A)
Permitted service methods	In-hand delivery to the tenant (constable or sheriff service recommended); Delivery to a person of suitable age at the premises + first-class mail; Certified mail, return receipt requestedSource: No statute; constable or sheriff service with a return of service is standard (Uniform Summary Process Rule 2)
Required content	14-day notice to a tenant at will must contain the ten-day cure sentence of G.L. c. 186, § 12 (reproduced verbatim in this notice); if omitted, the tenant may cure any time before the answer date. Every nonpayment notice to quit must be accompanied by the EOHLC/Attorney General attestation form under G.L. c. 186, § 31 (400 CMR 6.00), and no court will accept a summary process summons without proof of delivery of that form.
Must be served with the notice	Massachusetts Notice to Quit Attestation Form and accompanying notice of rights (EOHLC/Attorney General form under G.L. c. 186, § 31; 400 CMR 6.00) — must be served WITH this notice; file proof of delivery with the summary process summons
Statute	Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, §§ 11, 11A, 12; c. 239 (Summary Process)

Rules current as of 2026-10-27. Statutes change; verify before relying on them.

How to use this Eviction Notice in Massachusetts

Serve the notice exactly as Massachusetts law allows and count the days from the day of service — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks; this generator does the counting for you. Do not include late fees in a pay-or-quit amount unless your state permits it. If the tenant pays the full amount in time, the notice is satisfied.

Keep a copy of the notice and the signed proof of service; you will attach both to the court complaint if the tenant does not comply. Serve the required accompanying form together with the notice.

Frequently asked questions

How many days' notice for nonpayment of rent in Massachusetts?

14 days (14-Day Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of Rent), Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, § 11 (leases); § 12. Properties covered by the CARES Act require at least 30 days.

How must the notice be delivered?

In-hand delivery to the tenant (constable or sheriff service recommended); Delivery to a person of suitable age at the premises + first-class mail; Certified mail, return receipt requested. No statute; constable or sheriff service with a return of service is standard. Keep the completed proof of service — the court will ask for it.

Can I change the locks or shut off utilities instead?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and exposes the landlord to damages. After the notice period expires you must file an eviction case in court.

Other names

notice to quit
pay or quit notice
3 day notice
notice to vacate
eviction letter
notice to cure or quit
late rent notice
demand for possession

Other states

FormsByState provides self-help document templates and general information, not legal advice. We are not a law firm. For advice about your situation consult a licensed attorney in your state.