Minimum 107 days • Typical 150 days • Source: MGL c. 239, § 1
Bar represents minimum days per phase (proportional). Actual durations vary by court and case.
| Phase | Minimum Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Serve Eviction Notice | 14 days | Nonpayment of rent: 14-day pay-or-quit notice. No-cause termination: 30-day notice. Notice period begins the day after service. |
| Phase 2: File Summons & Complaint | 7 days | File unlawful detainer in Massachusetts court; sheriff or process server serves defendant. Court issues return date. |
| Phase 3: Tenant Response Period | 7 days | Tenant has 7 days to file a written answer. If no answer, landlord may move for default judgment immediately. |
| Phase 4: Court Hearing | 21 days | Typical wait for a hearing date in Massachusetts. Contested cases, continuances, or crowded dockets can extend this significantly. |
| Phase 5: Judgment & Writ of Possession | 10 days | Court enters judgment for landlord; writ of possession is issued authorizing law enforcement to remove tenant. |
| Phase 6: Sheriff/Marshal Lockout | 48 days | Law enforcement schedules and executes physical removal. Do not remove the tenant yourself — only law enforcement may execute the writ. |
| TOTAL | 107–150 days | Minimum to typical range under MGL c. 239, § 1 |
Even in landlord-friendly states, multiple factors can extend the eviction timeline well beyond the minimum. The most common causes of delay in Massachusetts include:
The following actions constitute illegal self-help eviction in Massachusetts and can expose the landlord to civil liability, damages, and attorney fee awards:
Tenants who experience self-help eviction in Massachusetts may sue for actual damages, emotional distress damages, and in many states statutory penalties of two to three times the monthly rent, plus attorney’s fees.
Under MGL c. 239, § 1, the minimum eviction timeline in Massachusetts is approximately 107 days from serving the initial notice to the sheriff lockout under ideal conditions. A more realistic estimate is 150 days, factoring in court scheduling delays, tenant responses, and writ execution time. Contested evictions or those involving tenant appeals can take significantly longer.
No. Massachusetts law requires landlords to serve written notice and wait for the notice period to expire before filing for eviction. For nonpayment of rent, the notice period is 14 days. Only after that period expires can the landlord file an unlawful detainer action in court. Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) is illegal in Massachusetts.
If a tenant remains after a judgment for possession is entered in Massachusetts, the landlord requests a writ of possession from the court. The writ directs the county sheriff or marshal to physically remove the tenant and their belongings. The landlord cannot remove the tenant — only law enforcement can execute the writ. The tenant may also face contempt of court charges for remaining after the order.
The total cost of an eviction in Massachusetts varies widely. Direct costs include court filing fees ($50-$300+ depending on county), process server or sheriff service fees ($50-$150), and attorney fees ($500-$3,000+ if represented). Indirect costs including lost rent during the 107-150-day timeline, cleaning, repairs, and re-leasing often total $3,000-$7,000 or more.
Timeline data sourced from MGL c. 239, § 1. Notice period data from M.G.L. c. 186, § 12 via U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2023. Minimum day estimates assume ideal conditions. Last updated April 29, 2026. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.
