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  • Massachusetts Court System

Respond to a tenant who doesn't come to their eviction court date

Find out what you need to do when a tenant doesn't come to court.

Housing Court locations

The Details   of Respond to a tenant who doesn't come to their eviction court date

What you need   for Respond to a tenant who doesn't come to their eviction court date

You should fill out and sign a Joint Uniform Summary Process Rule 10 and Military Affidavit. In these affidavits, you:

  • State the amount of rent the tenant owes you
  • Certify that the tenant is not on active military duty (and therefore isn’t protected against lawsuits under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act).

How to respond   Respond to a tenant who doesn't come to their eviction court date

Bring your filled out, signed form to your Housing Court Clerk's Office.

Next steps   for Respond to a tenant who doesn't come to their eviction court date

  1. Default judgment

    • The clerk will record the tenant’s default.
    • The clerk’s office will enter a default judgment on the day following the trial date.
    • The clerk's office will send copies of the default judgment to the parties.

     

  2. Getting an execution

    See Learn what may happen after an eviction hearing for information on getting an execution and removing the tenant.

Contact   for Respond to a tenant who doesn't come to their eviction court date

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