Massachusetts 14 Day Notice To Quit

Last Updated: May 31, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

Massachusetts 14 Day Notice To Quit is a letter which complies with state legal requirements to begin eviction against a tenant for nonpayment of rent. The tenant must pay the balance due or move out within fourteen (14) calendar days of receiving notice.

When To Use a Massachusetts 14 Day Notice To Quit

A Massachusetts 14 Day Notice To Quit begins the eviction process when tenant is late on rent. A landlord may deliver this notice when any portion of the rent remains unpaid, beginning the day after it’s normally due.

Some types of Massachusetts lease termination notice may allow different reasons for termination, or different notice periods. This may also apply to an eviction notice issued because of a lease or legal violation.

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How To Write a Massachusetts 14 Day Notice To Quit

To help ensure the legal compliance of a Notice To Quit:

  1. Use the full name of the receiving parties, and address of record, if known
  2. Specify the termination date of the lease or tenancy
  3. Specify the basis for terminating the tenancy, and payment necessary to avoid termination
  4. Fill in the full address of the rental premises
  5. Provide updated/current address and phone number information
  6. Print name and sign the notice
  7. Complete the certificate of service by indicating the date and method of notice delivery, along with printed name and signature

It is easy to lose an otherwise justified legal action because of improper notice. Check carefully to ensure enough time after notice is delivered, not when it’s sent.

How To Serve a Massachusetts 14 Day Notice To Quit

Massachusetts landlords may deliver a written Notice To Quit by any method which results in actual notice to the tenant. The burden of proof is on the landlord to prove delivery. These are some common methods for notice delivery in Massachusetts:

  1. Hand delivery to the tenant
  2. Delivery by registered or certified mail, with the tenant’s signature used as proof of delivery
  3. Delivery by constable or sheriff

Mailed notice extends a notice period by three (3) calendar days, to account for variable delivery times.

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In almost all cases, notice is legally served when it is received by the other party, NOT when it’s sent. Check specified date of termination carefully to ensure compliance with the legal requirements for a notice period.

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