Massachusetts Eviction Notice

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

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Massachusetts rules that this document follows

Nonpayment of rent14 days — 14-Day Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of RentSource: Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, § 11 (leases); § 12 (tenancy at will)
Lease violationsee statute — no right to cureSource: No statutory period; governed by lease terms (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, § 11A)
Permitted service methodspersonal, substituted, certified mailSource: No statute; constable or sheriff service with return of service is standard (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, § 12; Uniform Summary Process Rule 2)
Required wording14-day notice to a tenant at will must state: 'If you have not received a notice to quit for nonpayment of rent within the last twelve months, you have a right to prevent termination of your tenancy by paying or tendering to your landlord, your landlord's attorney or the person to whom you customarily pay your rent the full amount of rent due within ten days after your receipt of this notice.' If omitted, the tenant may cure any time before the answer date. Since 2021 (St. 2020, c. 257, § 1 as amended), a landlord must also serve the Attorney General's/EOHLC 'Notice of Rights' form with any nonpayment notice to quit.
StatuteMass. Gen. Laws c. 186, §§ 11, 11A, 12; c. 239 (Summary Process)

Rules current as of 2026-09-07. 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 correctly — the deadline is the first thing a judge checks. 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.

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 (tenancy at will). Properties covered by the CARES Act require at least 30 days.

How must the notice be delivered?

personal, substituted, certified mail. No statute; constable or sheriff service with return of service is standard (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186, § 12; Uniform Summary Process Rule 2) 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.

Related documents

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.