Just Cause Eviction: Ayer vs Waltham
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Ayer, MA and Waltham, MA?
Ayer and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
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 →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham follows Massachusetts state landlord-tenant law under MGL c.186. The city has no local just-cause eviction ordinance requiring specific grounds for non-renewal of tenancies.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ayer | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Local Ordinance | - | None - state law governs |
| Notice to Quit (Nonpayment) | - | 14 days |
| No-Fault TAW Notice | - | 30 days or one rental period |
| Court | - | Middlesex Housing Court |
| State Law | - | MGL c.186, c.239 |
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.
Waltham FAQ
Does Waltham require just cause for eviction?
No. Waltham has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Landlords follow Massachusetts state law under MGL c.186 and c.239.
Where do I fight an eviction?
Middlesex Housing Court in Lowell hears Waltham eviction cases. MetroWest Legal Services provides free assistance to income-eligible tenants.
Compare other topics
See how Ayer and Waltham compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool