Just Cause Eviction: Somerville vs Wakefield
How do just cause eviction rules compare between Somerville, MA and Wakefield, MA?
Wakefield has fewer restrictions than Somerville.
Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Massachusetts state law governs evictions in Somerville. MGL c.186 and c.239 set notice requirements. Somerville has adopted tenant-protection measures but cannot impose rent control under MGL c.40P.
View full Somerville rules →Wakefield, 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 Wakefield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Wakefield |
|---|---|---|
| State law | MGL c.186 and c.239 | - |
| Rent control | Prohibited by MGL c.40P | - |
| Nonpayment notice | 14 days | - |
| No-fault notice | 30 days minimum | - |
| Tenant help | Office of Housing Stability | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerville FAQ
Can Somerville stop my landlord from evicting me without cause?
Not under current state law. MGL c.40P prevents municipalities from imposing rent control or broad just-cause eviction rules. Tenants at will can receive a 30-day no-fault termination.
Where can I get help with an eviction notice?
Contact the Somerville Office of Housing Stability and Greater Boston Legal Services. The court process requires landlords to file in Housing Court.
Wakefield 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.
Compare other topics
See how Somerville and Wakefield compare on other ordinance categories.
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