Not legal advice. This page summarizes public statutes and court fee schedules as of the date shown. Rules and fees change; confirm with the court before you file, and talk to a local attorney about your situation.
Massachusetts eviction at a glance
| Court | Housing Court or District Court (summary process) |
|---|
Massachusetts evictions are heard in the housing Court or District Court (summary process). Before filing for unpaid rent, the landlord must give the notice required by M.G.L. c.186 §11 and §12.
Step by step
- Notice for unpaid rent. A 14-day notice to quit for nonpayment. (M.G.L. c.186 §11 and §12)
- File in court. If the tenant doesn't pay or move out, file the eviction case in the housing Court or District Court (summary process). Ask the clerk for current filing and service fees. (Mass.gov: Evicting a tenant)
- Hearing, judgment and removal. After the tenant is served, the court sets a hearing. If the landlord wins, removal happens only through the court's order or writ, carried out by a law enforcement officer. Exact timelines are in the court's self-help materials. (Mass.gov: Evicting a tenant)
Statewide fees
| Eviction filing fee | Not verified Set by each court or county; no single statewide figure published |
|---|---|
| Service of process and writ / removal | Not verified Set by the county sheriff, marshal or constable |
Fees vary by court or county. For any county we haven't verified, call the clerk before filing.
About the missing details
Why it's missing: We only list eviction court fees published by an official source. Massachusetts hasn't published its local filing, service and writ fees online in a form we could verify, so call the clerk of the housing court or district court to confirm before you file.
General information
Not specific to Massachusetts
Across the 21 counties where we've read the official fee schedule, the eviction filing fee runs from $41 to $322. Sheriff or constable service usually adds a per-tenant charge, and a writ of possession adds another. Statewide fixed filing fees we've verified: California $240 (claims up to $10,000), Connecticut $175, Delaware $45, Florida $185, Texas $54.
Closest place with verified data
Cuyahoga County, OH (about 524 miles away): filing fee $110
Call or visit the official office
Mass.gov: Evicting a tenant · Official website
Ask for the clerk's office for the court that handles evictions in your county.
Know the current fee? Tell us. We check every tip against an official source before publishing it.
Official resources
All Massachusetts counties
Counties without verified local fees show the statewide rules above.
Frequently asked
Which court handles evictions in Massachusetts?
Housing Court or District Court (summary process).
How much notice does a Massachusetts landlord have to give?
A 14-day notice to quit for nonpayment.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Massachusetts?
Fees vary by court or county. For any county we haven't verified, call the clerk before filing.