Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 239 — Summary Process for Possession of Land
The MA eviction statute: grounds, procedure, answer rights, record sealing (§16 — "eviction; petition to seal record"), consumer-reporting agency obligations, and appeal provisions.
Provisions (20)
§ 1
Persons entitled to summary process
§ 10
Stay of proceedings; hearings
§ 11
Stay of proceedings; deposit of applicant
§ 12
Stay of proceedings; validity of waiver in lease
§ 13
Stay of proceedings; costs
§ 14
Inspection of property for presence of abandoned animals
§ 15
Action for summary process for nonpayment of rent; monthly report
§ 16
Eviction; petition to seal record; petition to access sealed record; consumer reporting agency; housing or credit screening applications; notice of satisfaction
§ 1A
Land or tenements used for residential purposes; action by lessor under this chapter to recover possession; conditions and restrictions
§ 2
Jurisdiction; venue; form of writ
§ 2A
Reprisal for reporting violations of law, for tenant's union activity, or actions taken pursuant to laws protecting tenants who are victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking; defense; presumption
§ 3
Judgment and execution; costs; appeal
§ 4
Storage of property removed; notice of presence and condition of animals; liens and enforcement; penalties
§ 5
Appeal; bond; actions thereon; waiver; appeal of waiver or periodic payments; notice of decision
§ 6
Condition of bond in action for possession after foreclosure of mortgage; after purchase
§ 6A
Condition of bond after foreclosure of tax title
§ 7
Judgments; effect
§ 8
Three years quiet possession; effect
§ 8A
Rent withholding; grounds; amount claimed; presumptions and burden of proof; procedures
§ 9