Form 19 – Summary Process Summons and Complaints – Massachusetts Courts
Form 19 – Summary Process (Summons and Complaints) is a court-issued notice concerning eviction proceedings against a tenant. It is a legal summons requiring the tenant to appear in court and respond to a complaint filed by the landlord/owner.
The form 19 is used in eviction proceedings in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete this form:
- Header Information
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The Trial Court: This part is pre-filled.
- Housing Department, Boston Division, Suffolk, ss: Ensure this is correct based on your jurisdiction.
- Docket No. and Entry Date
- Leave these fields blank as they will be filled in by the court clerk.
- Defendant (Tenant) Information
- TO (Tenant’s Name): Enter the full name of the tenant being evicted.
- ADDRESS: Provide the complete address of the tenant’s residence, including the city and ZIP code.
- Court Appearance Details
- DAY, DATE, TIME: Enter the specific date and time for the court hearing. This information is usually provided by the court.
- LOCATION: Fill in the exact location of the court hearing (e.g., W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon Street, Boston, Room #9, 4th floor).
- Landlord/Owner Information
- LANDLORD/OWNER: Enter the full name of the landlord or property owner filing the complaint.
- CITY, ZIP: Provide the city and ZIP code of the landlord or property owner’s address.
- PREMISES OCCUPIED BY TENANT: Write the address of the rental property involved in the eviction.
- REASON FOR EVICTION: Briefly describe the reason for the eviction (e.g., non-payment of rent, violation of lease terms).
- Rent Owed
- AMOUNT OWED: Specify the total amount of rent owed by the tenant.
- ACCOUNT ANNEXED: Attach a detailed account or ledger showing the breakdown of rent owed.
- Signatures
- SIGNATURE OF PLAINTIFF OR ATTORNEY: The landlord or their attorney must sign here.
- DATE: Enter the date the form is signed.
- Notice to Occupants
- This section informs the tenant of their rights and responsibilities. No information is required here, but ensure the tenant reads and understands it.
- Sheriff’s Command
- SHERIFF’S INFORMATION: This part is for the sheriff or constable to fill out when serving the summons to the tenant.
- Officer’s Return
- SERVICE DETAILS: The sheriff or constable will complete this section, indicating how and when the summons was served.
- Amendments and Additional Information
- AMENDMENTS: This section lists the effective dates of amendments to the form. No information is required here.
Tips for Completing the Form
- Accuracy: Ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.
- Deadlines: Pay attention to deadlines for filing and serving the summons.
- Copies: Make copies of the completed form for your records and for serving the tenant.
- Legal Assistance: Consider seeking legal assistance if you are unsure about any part of the form.
Filing the Form
- Submit to Court: File the completed form with the court clerk’s office in the appropriate jurisdiction.
- Serve the Tenant: Ensure the tenant receives a copy of the summons and complaint through proper legal channels (e.g., in-hand delivery by a sheriff or constable).
By following these steps, you can accurately complete Form 19 and proceed with the eviction process according to the legal requirements in Massachusetts.