Summary Process-Eviction Summons and Complaint – Massachusetts Courts

This document titled “Summary Process-Eviction Summons and Complaint” is a formal legal notice concerning eviction proceedings. It is issued to inform tenants of a court case regarding their eviction. The notice contains important details about the eviction process and must be read carefully. It includes information about the court summons and the complaint filed by the landlord.

Key Points

1. Notification of Eviction Case: The document serves as an official notification to the tenant about the initiation of eviction proceedings in court.
2. Legal Language: The notice is written in formal legal language and provides details on the case, including the reasons for eviction, court dates, and the tenant’s rights and responsibilities.
3. Importance of Compliance: Tenants are urged to read the document carefully and comply with its instructions to avoid any legal repercussions.

This form is likely to include sections for the landlord’s and tenant’s information, the specifics of the complaint, and the legal basis for the eviction. It may also outline the steps the tenant can take to respond to the summons and contest the eviction if necessary.

This guide will help you fill out this form which is used in legal eviction proceedings to notify the tenant of a court case and the reasons for their eviction.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Landlord’s Information
   • Full Name: Write your full legal name.
   • Address: Include your complete address, including street, city, state, and zip code.
   • Phone Number: Provide a contact number where you can be reached.
2. Tenant’s Information
   • Full Name: Enter the full legal name of the tenant(s).
   • Address: Include the tenant’s complete address where the eviction is taking place.
   • Phone Number: If known, include a contact number for the tenant.
3. Court Information
   • Court Name and Address: Fill in the name of the court handling the eviction case and its address.
   • Docket Number: This is the case number assigned by the court. If you do not have this number, leave it blank and the court will fill it in.
   • Date: Include the date when the summons and complaint are issued.
4. Complaint Details
   • Grounds for Eviction: Clearly state the reasons for the eviction (e.g., non-payment of rent, violation of lease terms, illegal activity).
   • Amount of Rent Due: Specify the total amount of unpaid rent if applicable.
   • Other Complaints: Mention any other reasons or complaints that are part of the eviction case.
5. Summons Information
   • Hearing Date and Time: Include the date and time when the tenant must appear in court. This information is typically provided by the court.
   • Location of Hearing: Indicate the address of the courthouse where the hearing will take place.
6. Signatures
   • Landlord’s Signature: Sign and date the form where indicated.
   • Attorney’s Signature (if applicable): If you have an attorney, they should also sign and date the form.
7. Service of Process
   • Process Server’s Information: The person serving the documents (process server) will need to fill out their information, including name, address, and contact details.
   • Proof of Service: The process server will complete the section detailing how and when the documents were served to the tenant.

Additional Tips

• Review for Accuracy: Double-check all information for accuracy and completeness before submitting the form.
• Legal Advice: Consider consulting with an attorney to ensure that the form is filled out correctly and that you understand your legal rights and responsibilities.
• Copies: Make multiple copies of the completed form for your records and for submission to the court and the tenant.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the “Summary Process-Eviction Summons and Complaint” form is filled out correctly and completely. This will help facilitate the legal eviction process and ensure that all parties are properly informed.