For nonpayment of rent, Massachusetts requires a 14-day notice to quit under M.G.L. c. 186 § 11 (leases) or § 12 (tenancies at will). After the notice expires, the landlord must bring a summary process (eviction) case in court under c. 239 — self-help eviction is illegal.
Massachusetts requires a written notice to quit before eviction. For nonpayment of rent, M.G.L. c. 186 § 11 (leases) and § 12 (tenancies at will) both provide that "fourteen days' notice to quit" in writing is sufficient to terminate the tenancy. Tenants generally have a right to cure: under § 11, paying "all rent then due, with interest and costs of suit" before the answer is due preserves the tenancy; under § 12, a tenant at will who received no similar notice in the prior 12 months may pay the full rent due within 10 days of receipt. After the notice period, the landlord files a summary process action under M.G.L. c. 239 § 1 to recover possession; only a court-issued execution, served by a sheriff or constable, can lawfully remove a tenant.
Self-help eviction (lockouts, utility shutoffs, removing belongings) is illegal and exposes the landlord to liability, including treble damages or up to three months' rent plus costs and attorney's fees under M.G.L. c. 186 § 14.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Code Ch. 132, Article VI (Noise Control) sets nighttime quiet hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with a 50 dBA cap; daytime limit is 70 dBA. Constr...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181.552 (Environmental Performance Standards) addresses construction noise. No statewide MA construction hours law; Fitchburg enf...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg's general noise ordinance (Chapter 132, Article VI) covers animal-related noise. MGL c. 140, §136A defines nuisance dog including excessive barking...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181 — 'major recreational equipment' cannot be used for living or housekeeping purposes when stored on a residential lot. On-stre...
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg Zoning Ordinance §181.3264 — commercial vehicles with more than 12,500 lb manufacturer's GVW may NOT be parked on residential premises except in an...
Fitchburg, MA
MGL c. 90, §22C — abandoned vehicles on public ways tagged after 72 hours, may be towed. Fitchburg Police enforce. Snow emergencies authorize immediate towin...
See how Fitchburg's eviction notice & process rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.