About eSummons
The Housing Court’s eSummons is an electronic (or digital) version of the Summary Process Summons and Complaint. Users may electronically purchase, download, and print an eSummons from the Housing Court, rather than traveling to the courthouse or waiting for the Housing Court to process and mail requests for a paper Summary Process Summons and Complaint. The eSummons initiative makes it easier, quicker, and more convenient to obtain a Summary Process Summons and Complaint from the Housing Court. At this time, eSummons is available only from the Housing Court, and it may be filed only in a Housing Court Summary Process case.
Who can purchase a Summary Process eSummons?
Anyone with a device that has internet connectivity may purchase a Summary Process eSummons from the Housing Court. A valid payment method is also required. At this time, eSummons is available in Housing Court and it may be filed only in a Housing Court Summary Process case. The Executive Office of the Trial Court may expand these efforts within various Trial Court Departments.
How to purchase a Summary Process eSummons from the Housing Court
To purchase a Summary Process eSummons from the Housing Court, visit GovHub. A purchaser may buy up to 10 eSummons per court location, per transaction. Once an eSummons is purchased, the buyer will receive it by eMail in the form of a PDF.
Acceptable Methods of Payment
A Summary Process eSummons from the Housing Court may be purchased online (GovHub) using an eCheck or a valid, major debit or credit card (American Express, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard). An eSummons may not be purchased with cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't want to purchase & use a Summary Process eSummons. Can I go to the Housing Court in person & purchase a paper Summary Process Summons?
Yes. If you do not want to purchase a Summary Process eSummons, you may purchase a paper Summary Process Summons and Complaint by visiting the applicable Housing Court Clerk’s Office.
Will I be able to purchase a Summary Process eSummons that is specific to a Housing Court division and session?
Yes. You can purchase, within the same transaction, an eSummons that is specific to a Housing Court division and session.
Do I still have to file an “original” copy of my Summary Process eSummons if I eFile my Summary Process case in the Housing Court?
No, unless the Court requires it or orders otherwise. Once you purchase a Summary Process eSummons and eFile your Summary Process case, the Housing Court will consider the electronic document the “original,” as identified by its unique identification number. However, the plaintiff is still required to file the “Affidavit of Compliance with eFiling Requirements in Summary Process (Eviction) Cases."
Can I use the same Summary Process eSummons in more than one Summary Process case?
No. Once a Summary Process eSummons is used to initiate or file a case in the Housing Court, it cannot be used again. Each Summary Process eSummons is marked by a unique identification number. In addition, a plaintiff eFiling any Summary Process case in the Housing Court must include with the entry package an “Affidavit of Compliance with eFiling Requirements in Summary Process (Eviction) Cases,” which includes a sworn statement that the eSummons was used only in that specific case, as identified by the unique identification number on the eSummons.
Do I have to use a different Summary Process eSummons for each tenant or occupant?
No. Like with a paper Summary Process Summons and Complaint, you may use one Summary Process eSummons if the same action involves more than one tenant or occupant. All tenants MUST BE NAMED on the return of service. As set forth in G.L. c. 239, s. 2, minors shall not be named as defendants in a Summary Process Summons and Complaint.
Is there a limit on the number of Summary Process eSummons that I can purchase?
A purchaser may buy up to 10 eSummons per court location, per transaction.
What happens if I purchase a Summary Process eSummons by mistake?
For assistance, please contact the Housing Court Clerk’s Office of the division from which you purchased the Summary Process eSummons by mistake.
What happens if I type an incorrect email address, and I never receive the Summary Process eSummons that I purchased?
In this situation, contact the applicable Housing Court Clerk’s Office for assistance.
Can I recover the convenience cost or fees of the eSummons in my Summary Process Case?
At this time, no. The cost is non-recoverable because eSummons is currently an option for convenience and is not mandatory.
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| Date published: | June 28, 2023 |
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| Last updated: | July 10, 2023 |