Legal and tenant help in Massachusetts
The short answer
A notice to quit is not an order to leave. In Massachusetts, only a judge can order an eviction. If you have a pending RAFT rental help application, you can't be evicted. Paying what you owe by the set date can stop an eviction.
Need help tonight?
What the state's tenant guide says
- A landlord can't lock you out without a judge's order.
- A notice to quit gives 14 days for unpaid rent (30 days for other reasons). It is the first step, not an order to leave.
- You may stop an eviction by paying the rent you owe by a set date. This is called curing.
- RAFT gives short term emergency payments, up to $7,000 a year. You can't be evicted while a RAFT application is pending.
- File your answer as your Summons and Complaint says. Filing an answer costs nothing.
- You have 10 days to appeal after a judgment. You may ask for a stay of up to 6 months, or up to a year if you are elderly or disabled.
- Community Mediation Centers offer pre court mediation at no cost.
Official page: mass.gov/info-details/tenants-guide-to-eviction
Legal help
The Legal Resource Finder (masslrf.org) connects people to legal help at no or low cost. Court Service Centers have no income or immigration status requirements. MassLegalHelp has guides for tenants.
Official pages: mass.gov/info-details/tenants-guide-to-eviction, masslegalhelp.org
Fair housing
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination takes housing discrimination complaints. You can also file with HUD.
Official pages: mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-commission-against-discrimination, hud.gov/fairhousing
More help in Massachusetts
Sources last checked October 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or a spot in any program. Each place decides who it can serve. You choose what feels right for you.