Just Cause Eviction: Ayer vs Cambridge
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Ayer, MA and Cambridge, MA?
Ayer has fewer restrictions than Cambridge.
Ayer, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts has no statewide just cause eviction law. Landlords may terminate tenancies at-will with 30 days notice under MGL c.186 s.12 for any non-discriminatory reason.
View full Ayer rules →Cambridge, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts prohibits rent control under MGL c.40P, but Cambridge tenants retain strong eviction protections under MGL c.186 and c.239. Landlords must follow statutory notice and court process.
View full Cambridge rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ayer | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Just Cause | Does not exist | - |
| Notice to Quit | MGL c.186 s.12 (30 days) | - |
| Non-Payment | MGL c.186 s.11 (14 days) | - |
| Retaliation Ban | MGL c.186 s.18 | - |
| Fair Housing | MGL c.151B | - |
| State law | - | MGL c.186 and c.239 govern eviction procedure |
| Notice for nonpayment | - | 14-day Notice to Quit required |
| No-fault notice | - | 30 days or one rental period |
| Rent control | - | Prohibited statewide by MGL c.40P |
| Tenant help | - | Cambridge Multi-Service Center and Housing Liaison |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ayer FAQ
Can my landlord evict me without a reason?
If you are a tenant at-will yes, with 30 days written notice under MGL c.186 s.12. However the reason cannot be discriminatory or retaliatory. Fixed-term leases must run to expiration.
Does Cambridge have a just cause eviction law?
No. Cambridge has considered one but no home-rule ordinance is currently in effect for private market-rate rentals.
Cambridge FAQ
Does Cambridge have a just-cause eviction ordinance?
No. State law (MGL c.40P) prevents cities from adopting rent-control or just-cause eviction rules, but statutory notice requirements still apply.
Can a landlord evict without a reason?
A landlord may terminate a tenancy-at-will with 30 days notice or one rental period, whichever is longer, but cannot evict in retaliation or for discriminatory reasons.
Compare other topics
See how Ayer and Cambridge compare on other ordinance categories.
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