A defective Notice to Quit is one of the strongest — and most overlooked — defenses a Massachusetts tenant has. This review checks the notice period, how it was served, and whether it says what the law requires.
✓ Included with every tenant packet
Why the notice matters. Before filing, a landlord must serve a valid written Notice to Quit. For nonpayment of rent it must give 14 days (c. 186 §11) — and usually tell you that you can revive the tenancy by paying. For a no-fault termination of a tenancy at will, it must give 30 days or a full rental period, whichever is longer (c. 186 §12), and be properly served. If the notice is short, misdated, improperly served, or missing required content, the case can be dismissed — sending the landlord back to the start. This review tests all of it.
What notice did you get?
This sets how many days the notice had to give you.
What does the notice say the eviction is for?
If you're not sure, pick "Not sure" — we'll flag it for review.
Notice date and the date it says your tenancy ends
We compare the gap to the days the law requires.
How was it delivered?
Service has to be done properly for the notice to count.
How did the Notice to Quit reach you?
Just taping a notice to the door, by itself, is often not proper service.
What does the notice say?
Check anything that's true of your notice.
Awaiting answers
Notice review
Answer the questions and we'll assess whether the Notice to Quit looks defective — and how strong that defense is.
Draft argument
Your tailored notice-defect argument appears here as you answer.
Strategy note. A notice defect is usually raised by a Motion to Dismiss (on or before the entry date) and again in your Answer. Even a strong defect should be confirmed against the actual notice and the lease — small wording differences matter. Your packet handles the motion and the timing.
Have it confirmed by an attorney
A Notice-to-Quit Review is included with every tenant packet — a licensed MA attorney verifies the defect and the notice before you rely on it.
This Notice-to-Quit Review is an educational tool applying M.G.L. c. 186 §§ 11–12 to the answers you provide; it is not legal advice and not a guarantee of any outcome. Whether a Notice to Quit is defective depends on the specific facts, the exact wording, the tenancy type, the lease, proper service, and how a court applies the law — and not every error is fatal. As part of a Massachusetts Eviction Law tenant packet, your review is verified by Patrick Donovan, Esq., a licensed Massachusetts attorney, under a separate limited-scope engagement; using this free tool does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship. Always confirm the details against your actual notice. 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. See our Privacy Policy. Attorney advertising.