This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.
Massachusetts lawIn force
Notice to determine estate at will
Can my landlord make me move out?
Without a lease, yes: one rent period's notice (30+ days).
No reason needed. 3 months if rent is paid quarterly or less often. 14 days if rent is unpaid; if it's your first such notice in 12 months, paying within 10 days stops it.
Who it covers
Covers: Tenancies at will.
The law, word for word
“Estates at will may be determined by either party by three months' notice in writing for that purpose given to the other party …”
Notice to quit for nonpayment under a written lease
How much notice do I get for unpaid rent?
With a lease: 14 days' notice for unpaid rent.
With a written lease, paying all rent due, with interest and costs, by the answer day stops the eviction.
Who it covers
Covers: Tenancies under a written lease where rent is unpaid.
The law, word for word
“Upon the neglect or refusal to pay the rent due under a written lease, fourteen days' notice to quit, given in writing by the landlord to the tenant, shall be sufficient to determine the lease …”
They can't evict you for complaining or asking for repairs.
A notice to leave (not for unpaid rent) or a raise within 6 months of a complaint is presumed payback.
The law, word for word
“shall be liable for damages which shall not be less than one month's rent or more than three month's rent, or the actual damages sustained by the tenant, whichever is greater, and the costs of the suit, including a reasonable attorney's fee …”
Notice to quit for nonpayment: required state form
What must come with a notice for unpaid rent?
A nonpayment notice must come with a state form.
Courts won't accept a nonpayment case without proof the form was delivered.
The law, word for word
“No court having jurisdiction over an action for summary process pursuant to chapter 239, including the Boston municipal court department, shall, in an eviction for nonpayment of rent for a residential dwelling unit, accept for filing a writ, summons or complaint without proof of delivery of the form required under this section …”