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Mass. General Laws c.239

Summary process for possession of land (eviction)

This page links to an unofficial version of each section of G.L. c. 239.

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§ 1 Persons entitled to summary process 
§ 1A Land or tenements used for residential purposes; action by lessor under this chapter to recover possession; conditions and restrictions 
§ 2 Jurisdiction; venue; form of writ 

Amended by St.2020, c.358, § 84, effective January 14, 2021

§ 2A Reprisal for reporting violations of law, for tenant's union activity, or actions taken pursuant to laws protecting tenants who are victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking; defense; presumption 
§ 3 Judgment and execution; costs; appeal 

Amended by St.2021, c.39, § 121, August 5, 2021

§ 4 Storage of property removed; notice of presence and condition of animals; liens and enforcement; penalties 

Amended by St.2021, c.39, § 122, August 5, 2021

§ 5 Appeal; bond; actions thereon; waiver; appeal of waiver or periodic payments; notice of decision 
§ 6 Condition of bond in action for possession after foreclosure of mortgage; after purchase 
§ 6A Condition of bond after foreclosure of tax title 
§ 7 Judgments; effect 
§ 8 Three years quiet possession; effect 
§ 8A Rent withholding; grounds; amount claimed; presumptions and burden of proof; procedures 
§ 9 Stay of proceedings 
§ 10 Stay of proceedings; hearings 
§ 11 Stay of proceedings; deposit of applicant 
§ 12 Stay of proceedings; validity of waiver in lease 
§ 13 Stay of proceedings; costs 
§ 14 After property is vacated following summary process, the owner or lessor should inspect it for abandoned animals 

Added by St.2018, c.219, § 20, effective November 7, 2018

§ 15 Definition of "emergency rental assistance"; summary process for nonpayment of rent, court actions; reporting 

Added by St.2023, c.28, § 64, approved August 9, 2023.

§ 16 Court records of evictions; petitions to seal records 

Added by St. 2024, c. 150, § 52, effective May 3, 2025

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