Evicting a bad tenant in Massachusetts costs ~$11,995.
How Massachusetts handles evictions
Tenant-friendly; contested cases often take 3+ months.
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail, the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
Massachusetts eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in Massachusetts?
TenantFort estimates a contested eviction in Massachusetts at around $11,995 all-in: a $195 filing fee, roughly 2 months of lost rent ($4,800 at a typical $2,400/mo), plus legal fees, property damage beyond the deposit, and turnover costs, using national planning figures for those three. Uncontested cases cost less.
How long does an eviction take in Massachusetts?
Roughly 60 days (~9 weeks) from notice to lockout, as an estimate; contested cases take longer. Tenant-friendly; contested cases often take 3+ months.
How much is the eviction filing fee in Massachusetts?
$195, filed with the Housing Court. Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in Massachusetts?
Evictions in Massachusetts are handled by the Housing Court.
Sources & methodology
The filing fee is the Housing Court's published fee; it has not yet been checked against the official fee schedule for this page, so confirm it with the court before you file. The timeline and typical rent are estimates. Property damage ($3,000), legal fees ($2,000) and turnover ($2,000) are round planning figures, the same for every state, not costs measured in Massachusetts. Real costs vary by county, whether the tenant contests, and the market.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.