Massachusetts allows no-fault termination of tenancies-at-will with 30 days or full rental period notice under MGL Ch. 186 §12. Boston has no local just-cause eviction ordinance, though a Home Rule petition for tenant protections remains pending state approval.
Under MGL Ch. 186 §12, a tenancy-at-will (most common in Boston) can be terminated by either party with written notice equal to one full rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer. No reason is required, distinguishing Boston from cities like Cambridge and Somerville that enacted local just-cause rules. The notice must be properly served and identify the termination date. After expiration, the landlord must still file summary process in housing court; self-help eviction is illegal under MGL Ch. 184 §18. A 2024 Boston Home Rule petition seeking just-cause eviction protections remains pending state approval and is not in effect.
Self-help eviction, lockouts, utility shutoffs, or removing tenant belongings without a court order trigger MGL Ch. 184 §18 penalties of three months' rent plus attorney fees.
Boston, MA
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Boston, MA
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See how Boston's no-fault evictions rules stack up against other locations.
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