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

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

Evictions at the Springfield District Court

Massachusetts evictions are decided through summary process under Chapter 239 of the General Laws. The Springfield District Court hears these landlord–tenant cases for Springfield and nearby Hampden 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. Springfield eviction cases are most often heard at the Western Housing Court's Springfield session at 37 Elm Street on Court Square, a short walk from the Roderick L. Ireland Courthouse at 50 State Street. The Western Housing Court covers all four western counties.

The Springfield 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 Springfield 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 Hampden County

Many Springfield-area cases can be filed in the Western 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 Western 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield District Court located?

The Springfield District Court is located at 50 State St., Springfield, MA 01103. The clerk's office can be reached at (413) 748-8600.

Does the Springfield District Court handle evictions?

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

How long does an eviction take through the Springfield 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 Springfield 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.