Q: What is a Summary Process case? A: It’s the same thing as an eviction case in Massachusetts. It’s the only way to get a tenant out in Massachusetts. Self help evictions are illegal. Q; What is a Notice to Quit? A: A notice to quit is a carryover from English common law – which…
Read moreEviction Case: Timeline In Massachusetts
The Massachusetts tenant has a right to an eviction case per case law and M.G.L. c.186 and c.239, except for rare circumstances like a police raid – covered instead by M.G.L. c.139 s.19. Merely changing the locks or using other “self-help” means for eviction will likely result in the tenant winning money from the landlord and…
Read moreMA Quiet Enjoyment & Bad Conditions: Rights Under Massachusetts Law
Attorney Shivick discusses Apartment Warranties and tenant rights under Massachusetts law, including Implied Warranty of Habitability and Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment. In order to obtain legal advice, you must consult a licensed attorney. Nothing in this video is a valid substitute for consulting with a licensed attorney.
Read moreMA Anti-Retaliation Laws: Rights Under Massachusetts Law
Attorney Shivick discusses issues to consider when facing Retaliation by a Landlord against a Tenant in Massachusetts – as a defense to eviction and/or as a claim against the landlord. In order to obtain legal advice, you must consult a licensed attorney. Nothing in this video is a valid substitute for consulting with a licensed…
Read moreShivick’s Appellate Work Has Lasting Consequences: Massachusetts Debt Collection, Unauthorized Practice of Law, and Landlord Collection Abuse: A 2026 Update
Some businesses do not merely bend the rules. They build a business model around hoping consumers and tenants do not know the rules exist. That is especially true in the overlap between landlord-tenant law, debt collection, and Housing Court. A landlord obtains or claims a debt. A property manager tries to prosecute a case. A…
Read more