If you’re a landlord in Massachusetts searching for a reliable notice to quit Massachusetts template, you’ve come to the right place. As a former Massachusetts real-estate attorney who drafted hundreds of these documents over a 12-year career, I know how critical it is to start the eviction process with a legally compliant MA notice to quit. One small mistake can delay your case by weeks or even months in housing court.
In this guide, I’m giving you my battle-tested, completely free Massachusetts notice to quit form that I updated for 2025 compliance, plus step-by-step instructions on when and how to use each type (7-day, 14-day, 30-day, and non-payment vs. no-fault). Download the Word and PDF versions at the end of this article – no email required.
Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney or local housing court before serving any eviction-related document.
In Massachusetts, a notice to quit (sometimes called a notice to vacate Massachusetts) is the mandatory first step in almost every eviction proceeding. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, § 12 and the Uniform Summary Process Rules require landlords to terminate the tenancy in writing before filing a Summary Process (eviction) Summons and Complaint.
Even if your tenant hasn’t paid rent in months or has caused serious damage, you cannot file in court without properly serving a valid MA notice to quit first (except in rare drug-related or criminal activity cases).
Different situations require different termination periods. Here are the most common:
Under M.G.L. c. 139 § 19 and recent case law, Massachusetts is now a “pay-and-stay” state in most jurisdictions. That means:
Click below to instantly download my professionally drafted templates:
| Field | What to Write |
|---|---|
| Landlord Name & Address | Full legal name and mailing address (use registered LLC name if applicable) |
| Tenant Name(s) | List every adult occupant on the lease AND anyone you know lives there |
| Premises Address | Exact rental unit address including apartment number |
| Type of Tenancy | Check “Tenancy at Will” or “Lease ending on [date]” |
| Amount Owed (Non-Payment) | Exact dollar amount owed as of the date you sign the notice |
| Termination Date | Must be at least 14 days after service for non-payment; 30 days (or full rental period) for tenancy-at-will no-fault |
| Certificate of Service | Date and method (sheriff, constable, or certified + first-class mail) |
Massachusetts is strict about service:
Source: Massachusetts Trial Court Summary Process Forms
From my decade in court, here are the top errors I still see:
No. Private landlords almost always use the 14-day notice for non-payment. The 7-day version is mainly for subsidized housing programs.
No. The Massachusetts Trial Court does not provide a pre-made notice to quit form. They only supply the Summary Process Summons and Complaint after the notice period ends.
Yes – landlords and tenants use the terms interchangeably in MA.
You must accept full payment and the notice becomes void unless you have an enforceable “no waiver” clause and separate cause.
Having a correct Massachusetts notice to quit form is the foundation of a successful eviction. I created these free templates so landlords – especially small “mom-and-pop” owners – don’t have to pay $200+ for something that should be straightforward.
Download your eviction notice template Massachusetts today, follow the instructions above, and always double-check with local housing court rules in your county (Boston Housing Court has slightly different practices than Worcester or Springfield).
Stay compliant, document everything, and good luck getting your property back.
Again, this is not legal advice. Laws change. Consult a Massachusetts attorney or your local Landlord-Tenant clerk before proceeding.
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