How to Look Up Eviction Records in Massachusetts 2026

Where to Search Massachusetts Eviction Records

Massachusetts Summary Process (eviction) cases are filed in one of 7 Housing Court divisions or, where no Housing Court exists, the District Court. Massachusetts courts do not have a comprehensive unified online case search. Limited case information available at masscourts.org for some divisions. For Housing Court records, contact the specific division: Eastern (Boston), Northeast, Southeast, Worcester, Western, Metro South/West, or Springfield. Source: M.G.L. c. 239; Massachusetts Courts.

Step-by-Step: How to Search Massachusetts Eviction Records

1. Go to Massachusetts eCourt Portal (limited). Open https://www.masscourts.org in your browser.
2. Search by party name. Enter the prospective tenant's full legal name (last name, first name) as a defendant/respondent. Try name variations including maiden names.
3. Filter by case type. Select eviction, forcible detainer, unlawful detainer, or summary possession as the case type depending on the court's terminology.
4. Review the disposition. Identify whether the case resulted in a judgment for the landlord (eviction), dismissal (tenant won or case settled), or is still pending. A filing alone does not mean the tenant was evicted.
5. Check the filing date. Important: Massachusetts has eviction record protections — M.G.L. c. 186A (COVID Eviction Moratorium Act, 2020). Do not make adverse screening decisions on sealed, expunged, or protected records.
6. Request certified copies if needed. For a certified copy of the court record, contact the Housing Court (7 divisions) or District Court clerk's office directly. Fees are typically $0.50/page.

Eviction Record Expungement in Massachusetts

Landlords and screening companies may not use sealed or expunged eviction records as a basis for adverse tenant-screening decisions in Massachusetts. Tenants who believe their records have been improperly used may have a civil claim under the applicable statute. If a tenant discloses an expunged eviction, you may ask for context but cannot deny housing based solely on the expunged record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I look up eviction records in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Summary Process (eviction) cases are filed in one of 7 Housing Court divisions or, where no Housing Court exists, the District Court. Massachusetts courts do not have a comprehensive unified online case search. Limited case information available at masscourts.org for some divisions. For Housing Court records, contact the specific division: Eastern (Boston), Northeast, Southeast, Worcester, Western, Metro South/West, or Springfield. Source: M.G.L. c. 239; Massachusetts Courts.

Are eviction court records public in Massachusetts?

Yes — eviction court records in Massachusetts are presumptively public under Massachusetts's public records law. Eviction actions are civil court filings and are part of the court's public record, accessible by any member of the public, except for sealed or expunged records (M.G.L. c. 186A (COVID Eviction Moratorium Act, 2020)).

Can a tenant get an eviction record removed or expunged in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts has enacted eviction record expungement or sealing protections: MA Chapter 186A (2020 COVID Act) — COVID-related eviction records sealed. Also: MA courts have discretion to impound Housing Court records. (M.G.L. c. 186A (COVID Eviction Moratorium Act, 2020)). Tenants who qualify may petition the court to seal or vacate the eviction record.

How much does it cost to get a certified copy of an eviction court record in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, certified copy fees for court records are typically $0.50/page. Fees are set by the Housing Court (7 divisions) or District Court and may vary by county or court location. Many courts also charge a flat certification fee on top of the per-page copy fee. Online access to basic case information (party names, filing date, disposition) is typically free through the court's public portal where available.

Related Massachusetts Landlord Guides

Court portal information sourced from the Massachusetts court administrative office official website. Expungement laws from published Massachusetts statutes (see citations above). Last updated April 30, 2026. For informational purposes only — not legal advice.