Can't Pay Rent in Boston: What Are My Options?

What the law says

1. 1

   Even if you get a notice to quit for not paying rent, your landlord cannot evict you without going to court first. The court must issue a judgment (the court's final decision in your case) in a Summary Process case. You have the right to go to court, give your defenses, and ask the judge for a payment agreement.

   Source:

   1. Massachusetts Legislature. Law.

Talk to your landlord

2. 2

   Contact your landlord in writing as soon as you know you will miss a payment. Explain what happened. Offer a payment plan or a timeline. Putting this in writing shows good faith. It may stop your landlord from sending a notice to quit.

   Source:

   1. Our editorial rules.
3. 3

   Keep every receipt, bank statement, and message about your rent payments. These records show what you paid and when your landlord got each payment. You may need them if you must prove this later.

   Source:

   1. Our editorial rules.

Get help paying rent

4. 4

   Massachusetts offers state and local rental assistance (money to help pay rent) for renters facing housing problems. Check the state's official rental assistance website to see what is open now and who can qualify.

   Source:

   1. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A government guide.

If you still cannot pay

5. 5

   If you get court papers (a Summons and Complaint), answer by the date on the papers. If you do not go to court, the judge can rule against you. This is called a default judgment (the court's final decision in your case).

   Source:

   1. Massachusetts Legislature. Law.
6. 6

   Contact a legal aid group before any court date. A legal aid lawyer can look at your case and find defenses. One example is housing code violations that lower the rent you owe. If you qualify, a legal aid lawyer can represent you for free.

   Source:

   1. Massachusetts Attorney General. A government guide.