Massachusetts summary process runs on a fixed calendar. See a realistic timeline from Notice to Quit to move-out, the rent that accrues along the way, and what a defective notice costs you in a restart.
The ground sets your Notice to Quit: 14 days for nonpayment (tenant can revive by paying), 30 days / a full rental period for no-fault, typically 30 days for cause.
Used to estimate the rent that accrues while the case runs — money you generally can't collect until (and unless) you get a judgment.
A defective Notice to Quit or a security-deposit (c. 186 §15B) misstep can get the case dismissed or hand the tenant a counterclaim — forcing you to start the clock over.
This calculator is an educational illustration based on the figures you enter and on typical timing — not a guarantee, a court schedule, or a prediction of any outcome. Real timelines vary widely by court, caseload, mediation, discovery, appeals, and the facts of your case, and can be considerably longer. Lost-rent figures are rough estimates and assume nothing about collectability. Confirm everything with the statutes (M.G.L. c. 186, c. 239), the Uniform Summary Process Rules, and a licensed attorney before relying on it. Using this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship, which forms only on a signed limited-scope engagement. Massachusetts Eviction Law is a private law practice, is not a government agency, and is not affiliated with any court or the Massachusetts Trial Court. Self-help eviction (lockouts, utility shutoffs) is illegal (c. 186 §14). See our Privacy Policy. Attorney advertising.