Fourteen-Day Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of Rent

FOURTEEN-DAY NOTICE TO QUIT

(Massachusetts - Nonpayment of Rent)

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:

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.

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

1. Right to Contest: You have the right to appear in court and contest the eviction.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Retaliation Protection: M.G.L. c. 186, § 18 prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights.

6. Security Deposit: Your security deposit is governed by M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B, which has strict requirements.

7. Discrimination: Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics.

8. 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

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.