What is "just cause"?

Produced by Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Created October 2010

If you are a bona fide tenant, the bank cannot evict you unless it has just cause (a good reason).

Some examples of just cause are:

  • not paying rent;
  • disturbing other residents;
  • creating a nuisance;
  • not allowing landlord in to make repairs.

The bank cannot evict you just because it wants you to leave. Wanting an empty building is not just cause.

Find Legal Aid

You may be able to get free legal help from your local legal aid program. Or email a question about your own legal problem to a lawyer.

Ask a Law Librarian

If it's
Monday-Friday
between
9am - 12pm and 1pm - 4pm