Just Cause Eviction: Boston vs Revere
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Boston, MA and Revere, MA?
Boston and Revere have similar restriction levels.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Massachusetts does not have a statewide just cause eviction law, and Boston does not have a local just cause ordinance. Landlords may decline to renew tenancies with proper notice. However, evictions require court proceedings, and tenants have procedural protections under MGL c.239 (summary process). Retaliatory and discriminatory evictions are prohibited.
View full Boston rules →Revere, MA
Suffolk County
MA does not have a statewide just-cause eviction law. Evictions in Suffolk County follow MGL c. 239 summary process. Boston's CORI and Source of Income protections and the statewide eviction record sealing law (HOMES Act 2024) provide tenant protections. No-cause termination of a tenancy at will requires 30+ days notice; lease non-renewal requires timely notice per the lease.
View full Revere rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Revere |
|---|---|---|
| Just Cause Required | No — not in Boston or MA | - |
| Notice Period | 30 days for month-to-month | - |
| Court Process | Required for all evictions (MGL c.239) | - |
| Retaliation Ban | MGL c.186 §18 | - |
| Self-Help Eviction | Illegal — treble damages | - |
| Process | - | MGL c. 239 summary process |
| Court | - | Eastern Housing Court |
| No-Cause Notice | - | 30 days or one period |
| Non-Payment | - | 14 days notice |
| Self-Help | - | Criminal under MGL c. 186, §14 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Can my Boston landlord evict me without cause?
Massachusetts does not require just cause for non-renewal of a month-to-month tenancy, but the landlord must give proper notice (30 days) and go through court summary process. Retaliatory and discriminatory evictions are prohibited.
What are my rights if I receive an eviction notice in Boston?
You have the right to contest the eviction in Housing Court under MGL c.239. The landlord must prove proper notice and go through the full court process. Self-help evictions are illegal and carry treble damages. You may also raise defenses including code violations and retaliation.
Revere FAQ
Does Boston require just cause for eviction?
No. There is no just-cause law. A landlord can decline to renew a lease or issue a no-cause notice to quit with proper timing.
Can my landlord change the locks?
No. That is an illegal self-help eviction under MGL c. 186, §14. You can recover triple damages plus attorneys fees.
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