Just cause eviction rules in Somerville, MA — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
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.
Somerville evictions are governed by Massachusetts General Laws chapter 186 (landlord-tenant) and chapter 239 (summary process). Landlords must provide a 14-day notice to quit for nonpayment of rent or a 30-day notice for no-fault terminations of tenancies at will. MGL c.40P, the 1994 statewide ballot law, prohibits municipal rent control, so Somerville cannot restrict rent increases or require just-cause for all evictions. The city has supported state legislation allowing local option just-cause eviction protections. Somerville operates the Office of Housing Stability which connects tenants with legal aid, mediation, and emergency rental assistance. Tenants receiving a notice to quit should contact the office and may have defenses under the state sanitary code if conditions are substandard.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle just cause eviction.
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