National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Massachusetts?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Massachusetts takes about 2 to 4 months.

From our Massachusetts guide: “An uncontested nonpayment case typically takes ten to sixteen weeks from notice to a completed move-out”

If the tenant contests: 6+ months with discovery, rental-assistance stay, or execution stay.

The Massachusetts eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    14 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    14-day notice to quit for nonpayment

    From our guide: “Notice to quit: 14 days (nonpayment) or 30 days to a rent day (no fault)”

  2. 2Court case

    37 to 90 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Service 7 to 30 days after notice; first-tier event 30 to 60 days after filing

    From our guide: “Service to entry date: 7 to 30 days” and “Entry date to first-tier event: 30 to 60 days”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    19 to 33 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    10-day appeal period, then execution in 1 to 3 weeks plus 48 hours

    From our guide: “Appeal period: 10 days” and “Execution to move-out: 1 to 3 weeks plus 48 hours”

What can slow it down

  • A rental-assistance application pending in a nonpayment case forces a mandatory continuance and stay of execution until it is approved or denied, which can extend the timeline well beyond the figures above.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Massachusetts eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Massachusetts scores 6 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (balanced).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Massachusetts attorney before acting.