Residential Evictions & Summary Process
Residential evictions in Massachusetts move through the court system called summary process, and the rules are exacting — a defective notice or filing can derail a case.
Parks Law Offices represents landlords pursuing lawful evictions and tenants defending against them.
How summary process works
A Massachusetts eviction generally begins with a proper notice to quit, followed by a summary process summons and complaint filed in the appropriate court (Housing Court or District Court). The tenant can answer and raise defenses and, in many cases, counterclaims. The timeline is faster than ordinary civil litigation — but only if each step is done correctly.
For landlords
We help you evict for nonpayment of rent or for cause, with notices and filings that hold up — so a technical misstep doesn't force you to start over and lose more time and rent.
For tenants
We defend tenants facing eviction, asserting available defenses and counterclaims — including those based on conditions, retaliation, or a landlord's failure to follow the law — and work to protect your housing or buy time to relocate.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an eviction take in Massachusetts?
It depends on the court's schedule and whether the tenant contests the case, but summary process is designed to be faster than ordinary litigation. We can estimate a timeline for your situation.
Can I withhold rent if my apartment has problems?
Massachusetts law gives tenants certain rights regarding substandard conditions, but rent withholding has rules and risks. Get advice before doing it.
Do I need a lawyer for an eviction?
The process is technical on both sides. Landlords risk losing the case to a defect; tenants may have defenses they don't know about. Either way, advice helps.
Related: Landlord / Tenant · Security Deposits · Commercial Evictions
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