Cambridge District Court — Eviction & Summary Process Info (Medford, MA)

The Cambridge District Court is one of the Massachusetts courts that handles landlord–tenant eviction (summary process) cases for Medford and the surrounding Middlesex County communities. Use this page for the address, phone, the steps in the process, and answers to common questions.

Evictions at the Cambridge District Court

Massachusetts evictions are decided through summary process under Chapter 239 of the General Laws. The Cambridge District Court hears these landlord–tenant cases for Medford and nearby Middlesex County communities. Whether you're a tenant who's been served or a landlord preparing to file, the same rules — and the same short deadlines — apply.

Local note. Cambridge District Court (the Third District Court of Eastern Middlesex) sits at 4040 Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford, a building it shares with Malden District Court. Cambridge-area eviction cases are also heard by the Eastern Housing Court's Middlesex session in Somerville.

The Medford eviction process, step by step

Every case starts with a Notice to Quit (14 days for nonpayment of rent; generally 30 days or one rental period for a no-fault termination). After the notice expires, the landlord serves a Summary Process Summons and Complaint and enters the case on a Monday entry date. The tenant then has until the answer date to file defenses and counterclaims, and the first hearing — often beginning with mediation — follows shortly after. For the full sequence, read the landlord summary-process timeline and the tenant guide to answering a Notice to Quit.

Tenants in Medford frequently have more leverage than they expect — habitability, security-deposit (c. 186 §15B), and retaliation counterclaims can offset, or exceed, the rent at issue. Landlords win by filing clean: correct notice, correct entry date, and records that answer the predictable defenses.

Housing Court option for Middlesex County

Many Medford-area cases can be filed in the Eastern Housing Court instead of (or in addition to) the District Court. The Housing Court specializes in landlord–tenant matters and has Housing Specialists who mediate. See the Eastern Housing Court page for its sitting locations and the towns it covers, or browse the full Massachusetts court directory.

Whether you're defending or filing in Medford, your packet is drafted to your facts and your court — and signed by a licensed MA attorney. Start free → and see your deadline, exposure, and next step.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Cambridge District Court located?

The Cambridge District Court is located at 4040 Mystic Valley Pkwy., Medford, MA 02155. The clerk's office can be reached at (781) 306-2715.

Does the Cambridge District Court handle evictions?

Yes. The Cambridge District Court hears Massachusetts summary-process (eviction) cases for the Medford area. Tenants and landlords in Middlesex County can often also file in the Eastern Housing Court, which specializes in housing cases.

How long does an eviction take through the Cambridge District Court?

Massachusetts summary process moves quickly — frequently only a few weeks from the entry (filing) date to the first hearing. The exact timeline in Medford depends on proper service, the tenant's answer date, whether discovery is requested (which adds about two weeks), and the court's calendar.

Court address and phone compiled from official Massachusetts Trial Court (mass.gov) listings; details can change, so verify with the court. This page is general information, not legal advice.