Summary Process Summons and Complaint
A summary process (eviction) summons and complaint is the next step after a notice to quit. You must go to court to get a justice's signature and then see that this notice is delivered to the tenant in accordance with Massachusetts law.
You must hire a constable or the sheriff to serve the summons and complaint. They should be able to assist you in filling out the form, or do it entirely for you. It's worth learning how it works so that you can catch errors or mistakes made by the constable or sheriff.
We have three examples for members to view. These are dated, but they show the parallel structure you need to achieve:
- A "real" notice to quit. Personally identifiable information has been redacted. It clearly indicates the reasons for the eviction.
- A "real" SPSC. Personally identifiable information has been redacted. It clearly indicates the reasons for the eviction set out on the notice. These match.
- A "clean" SPSC. This was based on a state example available at the time, which didn't have specific court information on it. Get the latest version from the court.
Both examples are eviction "for cause," meaning a violation of the agreement in a way other than non-payment.
To view this form, you must be logged-in and a member in good standing
MassLandlords is a nonprofit dedicated to helping owners rent their property. We try our best, but we can't guarantee these forms will always work. We provide legal information but never advice particular to your situation. Nothing on this site is meant to create an attorney-client relationship. We advise you consult with an attorney.
