How long before eviction in Massachusetts?

Strong protection ratingLast verified 2026-09-21

At a glance

Grace period before a late fee: 30 days
Late fee cap: No cap; no fee until 30 days late
Pay-or-quit notice: 14 calendar days
Filing to judgment: Not verified
Wait before the writ can be executed: 10 calendar days
Can paying stop it before judgment?: Yes
Can paying stop it after judgment?: Yes
Lockouts without a court order banned?: Yes
Record sealing available?: Yes
Right to counsel: none
Fastest lawful timeline: Not verified

Not legal advice. This page reports what the state statute says as of the last-verified date. It does not describe how a particular court applies it, and it does not account for your lease, local ordinances, or the facts of your case. If you have received a notice or a court summons, contact a legal aid organisation listed below.

Can I stop it by paying?

Before judgment: Yes.

After judgment: Yes. Satisfying the money judgment plus use and occupancy bars levy on the execution, c.239 s.3

Behind on utilities in Massachusetts too? See Massachusetts's shutoff protection rules.

Where to get help

Rental assistance — RAFT; benefit cap not verified
Free legal help
State-funded MLAC Access to Counsel pilot and a Boston pilot for households with K-12 students. Not in the NCCRC enacted matrix.

Sources

M.G.L. c.186 ss.11, 12
M.G.L. c.186 s.15B(1)(c)
M.G.L. c.239 s.5; 48-hour pre-levy notice c.239 s.3
M.G.L. c.186 s.14
Primary statute