FOURTEEN-DAY NOTICE TO QUIT
(Massachusetts - Nonpayment of Rent)
[// GUIDANCE: This notice is governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, particularly M.G.L. c. 186, § 11 and § 12. For nonpayment of rent, Massachusetts generally requires FOURTEEN (14) days' notice to quit before a summary process (eviction) action can be filed. This notice terminates the tenancy; it does not give the tenant an option to pay and stay unless otherwise agreed. IMPORTANT: Massachusetts has extensive tenant protections and specific notice requirements. Boston and some other municipalities have additional local ordinances. Verify all requirements before use.]
NOTICE INFORMATION
Date of Notice: [DATE]
Tenant Name(s): [TENANT FULL LEGAL NAME(S)]
Rental Property Address:
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY], Massachusetts [ZIP CODE]
[UNIT/APT NUMBER, if applicable]
NOTICE TO QUIT
TO: [TENANT FULL LEGAL NAME(S)] AND ALL OTHER OCCUPANTS
You are hereby notified that your tenancy of the above-described premises is hereby TERMINATED as of [DATE - 14 days from service] for the following reason:
NONPAYMENT OF RENT
RENT OWED
The following rent is owed and unpaid:
| Rental Period | Amount Due |
|---|---|
| [MONTH/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| [MONTH/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| [MONTH/YEAR] | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL RENT OWED | $[TOTAL] |
[// GUIDANCE: Include only rent in this calculation. Do not include late fees, interest, or other charges.]
NOTICE TO QUIT POSSESSION
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, Section 11, you are hereby notified to QUIT AND VACATE the above-described premises within FOURTEEN (14) DAYS from the date of service of this notice.
YOUR TENANCY WILL TERMINATE ON: [DATE - 14 days from service]
CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE
If you fail to vacate the premises by the termination date, the Landlord will commence a SUMMARY PROCESS (EVICTION) ACTION against you in the appropriate Massachusetts court (Housing Court, District Court, or Boston Municipal Court).
The Landlord will seek:
- A judgment for possession of the premises;
- A judgment for all unpaid rent and use and occupancy;
- Court costs and reasonable attorney's fees if permitted by the lease or law.
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICES
Right to Cure (Tender of Rent)
Under Massachusetts law, you have the right to stop the eviction process by paying all rent owed PLUS any court costs and attorney's fees incurred, before the answer date in a summary process case, if this is your first nonpayment notice in the past twelve months. See M.G.L. c. 186, § 11.
[// GUIDANCE: Massachusetts allows a "cure" right for first-time nonpayment within 12 months. If the tenant has received a prior notice for nonpayment within the past year, the cure right may not apply.]
Payment Information
If you wish to pay the rent owed before the termination date:
Name: [LANDLORD NAME OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY]
Address: [ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE NUMBER]
Payment Methods: [CHECK / MONEY ORDER / CERTIFIED FUNDS]
Note: Acceptance of rent after service of this notice is at the landlord's discretion. Acceptance of partial payment does not waive the landlord's right to proceed with eviction unless agreed in writing.
Your Rights as a Massachusetts Tenant
-
Right to Contest: You have the right to appear in court and contest the eviction.
-
Discovery Period: Before any eviction case can proceed, there is a mandatory discovery period during which you can request rental assistance and the landlord must provide certain information.
-
Rental Assistance: You may be eligible for rental assistance through:
- Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT): 1-800-224-5124
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program -
Warranty of Habitability: Under M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L and related laws, landlords must maintain rental premises in habitable condition. You may have defenses if there are serious code violations.
-
Retaliation Protection: M.G.L. c. 186, § 18 prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights.
-
Security Deposit: Your security deposit is governed by M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, which has strict requirements.
-
Discrimination: Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics.
-
Military Personnel: If you are a servicemember on active duty, you may have additional rights under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. § 3901 et seq.) and M.G.L. c. 186, § 25.
Legal Assistance
For legal help, contact:
- Massachusetts Court System Housing Specialist: Available in Housing Courts
- Greater Boston Legal Services: (617) 371-1234
- Community Legal Aid: (855) 252-5342
- Massachusetts Bar Lawyer Referral: (617) 654-0400 or (866) 627-7577
- MetroWest Legal Services: (508) 620-1830
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
This notice is made without waiving any rights or remedies of the Landlord, all of which are expressly reserved. The Landlord reserves the right to seek all damages, costs, and attorney's fees available under the lease agreement and Massachusetts law.
CERTIFICATION OF SERVICE
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that a copy of this Fourteen-Day Notice to Quit was served upon the above-named Tenant(s) on [DATE OF SERVICE] by the following method:
☐ Personal delivery (in hand) to Tenant
☐ Leaving at last and usual place of abode
☐ Certified mail, return receipt requested, AND first-class mail
[// GUIDANCE: Massachusetts law requires proper service. Personal service "in hand" or service at the tenant's "last and usual place of abode" is required. Keeping a copy of the notice and documenting service is essential for any subsequent court proceeding.]
LANDLORD/AGENT SIGNATURE
Landlord/Authorized Agent Name (Print): [PRINT NAME]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: [DATE]
Address:
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
[CITY], Massachusetts [ZIP CODE]
Telephone: [PHONE NUMBER]
Email: [EMAIL ADDRESS]
PROOF OF SERVICE
I, [SERVER NAME], hereby certify under the pains and penalties of perjury that on [DATE OF SERVICE], I served the above Fourteen-Day Notice to Quit on [TENANT NAME(S)] by:
☐ Delivering a copy in hand to the tenant
☐ Leaving a copy at the tenant's last and usual place of abode
Server Information:
Name: [PRINT NAME]
Address: [SERVER ADDRESS]
Signature: ____________________________________
Date: [DATE]
This notice is intended to comply with the requirements of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186. Massachusetts has extensive tenant protections and strict procedural requirements. This template does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney for guidance specific to your situation.