Massachusetts General Laws

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186A, § 4 (2026)

Just cause eviction; prerequisites

✓ current as of July 2026
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Section 4. (a) A foreclosing owner shall not evict a tenant for the following actions that constitute just cause until 30 days after the notice required by section 3 is posted and delivered: (i) the tenant has failed to pay the rent in effect prior to the foreclosure or failed to pay use and occupancy charges, as long as the foreclosing owner notified the tenant in writing of the amount of rent or the amount of use and occupancy that was to be paid and to whom it was to be paid; (ii) the tenant has materially violated an obligation or covenant of the tenancy or occupancy, other than the obligation to surrender possession upon proper notice, and has failed to cure such violation within 30 days after having received written notice thereof from the foreclosing owner; and (iii) the tenant who had a written bona fide lease or other rental agreement which terminated, on or after August 10, 2010, has refused, after written request or demand by the foreclosing owner, to execute a written extension or renewal thereof for a further term of like duration and in such terms that are not inconsistent with this chapter.

(b) A foreclosing owner shall not evict a tenant for the following actions that constitute just cause until the notice required by section 3 is posted and delivered: (i) the tenant is committing a nuisance in the unit, is permitting a nuisance to exist in the unit, is causing substantial damage to the unit or is creating a substantial interference with the quiet enjoyment of other occupants; (ii) the tenant is using or permitting the unit to be used for any illegal purpose; and (iii) the tenant has refused the foreclosing owner reasonable access to the unit for the purpose of making necessary repairs or improvement required by the laws of the United States, the commonwealth or any subdivision thereof, or for the purpose of inspection as permitted or required by agreement or by law or for the purpose of showing the unit to a prospective purchaser or mortgagee provided.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases (1 in the last 5 years), 2011–2024 · leading case: Fed. Nat'l Mortg. Ass'n v. Nunez, 952 N.E.2d 923 (Mass. 2011).
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Fed. Nat'l Mortg. Ass'n v. Nunez, 952 N.E.2d 923 (Mass. 2011). · cites it 2× “G. L. c. 186A, § 4 (a), (by The act included an emergency preamble that made it effective immediately on its enactment on August 7, 2010, rather than ninety days later as ordinarily required by art.”
Bees, LLC v. James M. Harrold & Another. (Mass. App. Ct. 2024). “4 The 3 They also contend that the judge should have applied G. L. c. 186A, § 4, but that statute only applies to tenants of foreclosed properties.”
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