As a landlord in Boston, dealing with problem tenants can be a frustrating and stressful experience. From rent arrears to property damage and nuisance behavior, these issues can have a significant impact on your business and livelihood. When you've exhausted all other options, eviction may be the only course of action left. Conducting an eviction in Boston can be confusing. A company like Colon Constable with over a decade of experience can help uncomplicate the process. With various legal requirements that must be followed to the letter, if you're not familiar with the eviction process, it's essential to seek professional assistance to ensure that everything is done correctly.

At Colon Constable Services, we've been providing eviction services to landlords in Boston for over a decade. Our team of experienced constables can guide you through the eviction process, ensuring that everything is done correctly and efficiently. In this blog post, we'll outline three essential steps you should take if you're facing tenant problems in Boston.

Document Everything

When dealing with tenant problems, it's crucial to document everything that happens. Keeping detailed records of all communication between you and the tenant, including emails, text messages, and letters, can serve as vital evidence if legal action is necessary. Documentation can also help you keep track of important details like the date and time of events, what was said or promised, and any issues or concerns that arise during the tenancy.

The importance of documentation cannot be overstated when it comes to evicting a tenant. Massachusetts law requires landlords to provide specific notices to tenants before initiating eviction proceedings, and these notices must be served correctly. Documentation can help ensure that you follow the correct procedures and timelines and can serve as evidence if the tenant challenges the eviction in court.

At Colon Constable Services, we can help you keep track of all the necessary documentation throughout the eviction process. Our team can assist with the preparation and service of notices to quit, summonses, and complaints, ensuring that everything is done according to Massachusetts law.

Serve a Notice to Quit

If you're dealing with problem tenants, the first step is to serve them with a notice to quit. This notice informs the tenant that they must vacate the property by a specific date or face legal action. The type of notice to quit you need to serve will depend on the reason for eviction. Here are a few examples:

• Nonpayment of Rent: If your tenant has failed to pay rent, you must serve a 14-day notice to quit in person or by certified mail. The notice must state the amount of rent owed and the date by which it must be paid to avoid eviction.
• Lease Violations: If your tenant has violated the terms of the lease agreement, you must serve a 30-day notice to quit in person or by certified mail. The notice must state the reason for eviction and the date by which the tenant must vacate the property.
• Illegal Activity: If your tenant has engaged in illegal activity on the property, you can serve a 24-hour notice to quit in person or by certified mail. The notice must state the reason for eviction and the date by which the tenant must vacate the property.

Serving a notice to quit can be a complicated process, and you must follow the correct procedures and timelines. At Colon Constable Services, we can help you prepare and serve the correct notice to quit for your specific situation. Our team will ensure that everything is done according to Massachusetts law, minimizing the risk of any legal challenges from your tenant.

File a Summary Process Summons & Complaint

If your tenant fails to vacate the property after being served with a notice to quit, you'll need to file a summary process summons and complaint with the court. This document initiates legal proceedings against the tenant and sets out the reasons for the eviction. Filing a summary process summons and complaint is a complex process, and you need to ensure that everything is done correctly.

Here are the steps involved in filing a summary process summons and complaint:

• Complete the Forms: You'll need to complete several forms, including a summary process summons and complaint and a civil action cover sheet. These forms must be completed correctly and accurately.
• Serve the Forms: You must serve the summons and complaint on your tenant in a specific way. In Massachusetts, you can serve the forms in person or by certified mail. The tenant must receive the forms at least seven days before the court date.
• File the Forms: You must file the summons and complaint with the court and pay the necessary fees. The court will set a date for a hearing, and you must attend.

Filing a summary process summons and complaint can be overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the legal system. At Colon Constable Services, we have extensive experience in filing summary process summons and complaints with the Massachusetts courts. Our team will guide you through the process, ensuring that everything is done efficiently and correctly.

During the court hearing, both you and your tenant will have the opportunity to present your case. The judge will make a decision based on the evidence presented and issue a ruling. If the judge rules in your favor, the tenant will have a specified amount of time to vacate the property. If the tenant does not vacate the property within the specified time frame, you may need to take additional steps to enforce the eviction. This can include obtaining a writ of possession or hiring a constable to physically remove the tenant from the property.

At Colon Constable Services, we provide a range of eviction services to help landlords navigate the process from start to finish. Our team can assist with the preparation and service of notices to quit, summonses, and complaints, as well as providing legal support throughout the court process. We can also help with obtaining a writ of possession and physical eviction if necessary. Dealing with problem tenants can be a stressful and challenging experience for landlords. However, by following the correct procedures and timelines and seeking professional assistance, you can navigate the eviction process with confidence.

At Colon Constable Services, we specialize in eviction services for landlords in Boston, and our team has over a decade of experience in this area. We can provide the guidance and support you need to successfully evict problem tenants and protect your property and livelihood. If you're facing tenant problems in Boston and need assistance with the eviction process, don't hesitate to get in touch. You can reach us at (617) 821-1757 or by email at [email protected]. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have and provide a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.