Help for Tenants Facing Eviction
If you’ve been threatened with eviction or already received an eviction notice, resources are available to help.
Eviction is when a landlord has a tenant legally removed from their apartment.
Reasons you could be facing eviction:
- Non-payment of rent
- Violations of the lease agreement.
- Tenancy at will: Eviction can occur if you don’t have a signed lease document with your landlord and pay month-to-month (tenancy at will), in which case a landlord can pursue eviction even if your rent is fully paid and you haven’t done anything wrong.
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2 CENTER PLAZA
BOSTON, MA 02108 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
Eviction Help is available
The Office of Housing Stability's Housing Crisis Case Coordinators can help you deal with the eviction process. They may also be able to help you get legal, financial, or other help. Call 617-635-4200 or email housingstability@boston.gov
Some legal services groups hold clinics or offer free legal help. They may be able to help you fill out forms, file motions, or negotiate a resolution. We have more information about legal resources.
If you haven’t yet received an eviction notice
- Behind on the rent? Talk to your landlord about creating a repayment plan.
- Did you break the terms of your lease? Explain to your landlord how you plan to resolve it.
- Is your landlord proposing a rent increase you can’t afford? Ask if they will take a smaller increase. You should also ask for a lease so that your rent will not increase again during the lease period.
- If your landlord is selling or renovating? Try to negotiate an agreement that gives you enough time and resources to move out.
- Your lease agreement and any addendum
- Rent receipts
- Security deposit receipts
- written communications with your landlord
If you’ve already received an eviction notice
The eviction process begins when a landlord serves you a legal document called a Notice to Quit (Eviction Notice). For more detailed information on how to legally respond to an eviction notice, and the possible court proceedings, visit our eviction process overview page.
Get Legal Help
Each week, the Office of Housing Stability hosts a virtual legal clinic for small landlords and tenants.
Free civil legal aid to low-income people in Boston.
Legal services program for those with low incomes in the Boston area.
Get practical information about your legal rights in Massachusetts.
Get lawyer referral services and information at Housing Court.
They offer eviction help for tenants and owner-occupied landlords.
Services for the Homeless
If you are homeless or someone you know is homeless, you can contact these organizations for help.
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2 CENTER PLAZA
BOSTON, MA 02108 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
