RentGuard / Eviction Notices / Massachusetts

Massachusetts Eviction Notice Requirements (2026)

Complete guide to Massachusetts eviction notice periods, deposit return rules, and recent law changes. Generate a legally appropriate Massachusetts eviction notice in seconds with RentGuard — free.

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Massachusetts notice periods

14 days
14-Day Notice to Pay or Quit
Tenant has 14 days to pay all overdue rent or face Summary Process (eviction) filing.
30 days
30-Day Notice to Cure or Quit
For lease violations. Lease must specify terms violated.
30 days
30-Day Notice to Terminate
Month-to-month tenancy — or one full rental period if longer.

Security deposit rules

30 days after move-out with itemized statement. Interest required annually on all security deposits held over 1 year.

Rent control status

No statewide rent control. Boston and Cambridge have local just cause ordinances. Voters rejected statewide rent control in 1994.

Key Massachusetts landlord rules

Landlord must give 24 hours advance notice before entry except in emergencies
Security deposit must be held in separate interest-bearing account — tenant must receive annual accounting
Landlord must provide written statement of conditions within 10 days of receiving deposit
Failure to comply with security deposit law forfeits landlord's right to retain any portion

Recent law changes in Massachusetts

Boston Just Cause Ordinance (2023): Just cause required for eviction of long-term tenants in Boston

Frequently asked questions — Massachusetts eviction

How much notice does a landlord have to give in Massachusetts?+
In Massachusetts, landlords must give 30 days notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. Month-to-month tenancy — or one full rental period if longer.
What is the eviction notice period for nonpayment of rent in Massachusetts?+
Massachusetts requires a 14-day notice for nonpayment of rent. Tenant has 14 days to pay all overdue rent or face Summary Process (eviction) filing.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?+
30 days after move-out with itemized statement. Interest required annually on all security deposits held over 1 year.
Is there rent control in Massachusetts?+
No statewide rent control. Boston and Cambridge have local just cause ordinances. Voters rejected statewide rent control in 1994.
How do I evict a tenant in Massachusetts?+
To evict a tenant in Massachusetts, serve the appropriate written notice (14 days for nonpayment), wait for the notice period to expire, then file for eviction in your local court if the tenant has not complied. RentGuard can generate the correct Massachusetts notice form for free.

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Not legal advice. Verify current requirements with a licensed Massachusetts attorney before serving.

Eviction notice guides for other states

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