Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Massachusetts

Notice of termination or lease

I have been a tenenat in this apartment for 16 years. I was handed a notice of termination. The landlord, which is a private college, wants me to vacate the premises because I have no affiliation with the college. I was a tenant here before the college bought this building. The college has been the owner of this building for 10 years. I am 67 years old.

Can I be asked to leave on the grounds that I have no affiliation to the college as I my renting the apartment in the first place was not contingent on my affiliation. If the college can have me leave is there some time line that can be given that is longer than three months?

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Asked on 5/03/03, 4:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Trant Law Office of Robert R. Trant

Re: Notice of termination or lease

If you are a tenant at will, your tenancy can be terminated for no reason at all. If you fail to vacate, the landlord will file a summary process action to recover possession. Only a judge can order you to move out of the unit. Prior to obtaining a judge's order, the landlord can not remove your belongings or change the locks. At the hearing for possession, you can request the judge grant you time to find another apartment and bring any claims you have against the landlord. The judge can award you up to 1 year to find another apartment. In reality, most judges will allow you a few months and make you come back to the court to show you have been looking for another unit prior to granting more time.

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Answered on 5/05/03, 6:02 pm


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