Eviction Law in Springfield, MA

Landlord-tenant conflicts are never easy, but when rent goes unpaid or lease terms are ignored, you may feel like your hands are tied. In Springfield, Massachusetts, eviction laws tend to favor tenant rights, making the legal process both delicate and demanding.

If you’re ready to take action, this guide will walk you through the Springfield eviction process step by step. From serving the proper notice to appearing in Housing Court, we’ll cover what it takes to handle your case the right way with legal help.

What Is an Eviction?

An eviction is the legal removal of a tenant from a rental property after receiving notice from a landlord. In most cases, evictions occur due to missed rent payments or lease violations.

However, the eviction process in Springfield, Massachusetts, can be lengthy and expensive, especially since tenant protections under state law are strong. Understanding how local eviction procedures work can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

It is also worth noting that not every eviction notice results in a tenant being removed. In many instances, the notice serves as a final opportunity to correct the issue.

When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?

The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent

If a tenant in Springfield repeatedly misses rent payments or falls significantly behind, a landlord has legal grounds to initiate the eviction process. Massachusetts does not require a grace period before starting the process.

According to the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, landlords must wait 30 days before charging a late fee. Still, they can serve an eviction notice as soon as rent is one day late.

The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement

Lease agreements are enforceable contracts. Violations such as unauthorized occupants, illegal pets, or disruptive behavior may justify eviction. If a tenant breaks the terms laid out in the lease, a landlord can issue a notice to quit.

The lease also binds the landlord. If you fail to uphold your responsibilities—such as performing agreed-upon maintenance or repairs—your tenant may have legal grounds to file a counterclaim.

The Tenant Damages the Property

Normal wear and tear is expected during any tenancy, but serious damage to the property is not. For example, breaking windows or damaging plumbing may justify an eviction if the tenant refuses to make or pay for repairs.

If the tenant is cooperative and completes reasonable repairs without altering the property, you may decide to give them another chance. However, recurring or unaddressed damage can be cause for removal.

The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes

Illegal activity at a rental property—including drug sales, weapon trafficking, or other crimes—is grounds for eviction. If you suspect criminal conduct, you should contact law enforcement and collect documentation to support your claims.

Police reports, neighbor complaints, and photographs can all serve as valuable evidence in court. Be sure to follow proper legal channels throughout the process.

How to Evict a Tenant in Springfield, Massachusetts

If you want to evict a tenant for any reason, then you need to understand the eviction process. Here’s how it works.

Step 1. Check Your Local Laws

Eviction laws can vary across jurisdictions. Before initiating the process, review both Massachusetts state law and Springfield-specific ordinances. A qualified local attorney can confirm whether your case meets legal standards.

Under Massachusetts law, tenants have the right to withhold rent if the unit is unsafe or in poor condition. The Hampden County Board of Health may be involved if there are housing code violations. If you attempt to evict a tenant for withholding rent due to such conditions, you may lose your case.

Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction

If you cannot resolve the issue directly, your next step is to issue a written eviction notice. This document should include the nature of the violation, the amount owed (if applicable), and a deadline for compliance.

In Massachusetts, landlords must give a 14-day Notice to Quit (NTQ) for nonpayment of rent. It’s best to use an attorney-approved form to avoid mistakes. Serving the notice correctly is crucial—errors here can delay your case.

Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court

If the notice period expires without a resolution, you must file an eviction lawsuit, known as a “Summary Process” case, in court. For Springfield landlords, these cases are heard in the Western Housing Court.

Step 4. Contact an Experienced Springfield, Massachusetts Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing

To strengthen your chances in court, work with a local attorney. They can help you gather and organize:

Lease agreements
Rent payment records
Bank statements or bounced checks
Written communication with the tenant
Copies of the eviction notice
Proof of proper notice delivery

Step 5. Evict the Tenant

If you win your case, the court will issue an order for the tenant to vacate. Massachusetts generally gives tenants time to move out voluntarily. If they refuse, a sheriff or constable will enforce the order.

You must not attempt to evict the tenant yourself. Only law enforcement has the authority to physically remove someone from the premises.

Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments

Winning the case does not automatically recover unpaid rent. If necessary, you can pursue further legal action to collect the balance. Your options include:

Hiring a collections agency
Garnishing wages
Seizing tax refunds
Filing in small claims court

Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Springfield, Massachusetts

Even a small procedural error can jeopardize your case. A skilled eviction attorney will ensure you follow the law and give you the best chance of success in court.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to speak with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across Massachusetts state lines.

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.