Just cause eviction rules in Bourne, MA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
MGL Chapter 239 sets uniform statewide summary process eviction procedures for residential tenancies, establishing notice requirements, court process, and tenant defenses applicable in all Massachusetts cities.
Chapter 239, the summary process statute, controls all residential evictions in Massachusetts. Combined with Chapter 186, Section 12 (notice to quit) and Chapter 186A (foreclosure-related tenancy protections), it requires 14-day notice for nonpayment, 30-day notice for tenancy at will, and proper service before any court action. While Massachusetts does not have a comprehensive statewide just-cause eviction requirement, the Attorney General has held that local just-cause ordinances conflict with Chapter 239 and Chapter 40P, generally rendering them unenforceable absent specific legislative authorization. Several home rule petitions for Boston and Somerville remain pending in 2025.
Improper eviction procedures expose landlords to civil liability under Chapter 186, Section 14 (treble damages, attorney fees) and Chapter 93A consumer protection penalties up to triple actual damages.
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