Transfer your case to Housing Court

Housing Courts specialize in housing matters

Housing Courts are set up to hear evictions, housing code cases, and other housing matters. They have programs like the Tenancy Preservation Project, Lawyer for the Day, and other assistance that other courts don’t have. These programs can help tenants through the court process.

A right to transfer

If your eviction case is in District Court or Boston Municipal Court, you have the right to transfer it to Housing Court.

You do not need a hearing to transfer your case. You only need to get your Transfer form to your landlord and the courts the day before your trial date.

File your Answer with your Transfer form

You will need to file an Answer form with the District or the Boston Municipal Court. It is best to file the Notice of Transfer form with your Answer. See Booklet 3: Answer.

Find the Housing Court that serves your city or town

Housing Courts serve the entire state of Massachusetts. There are 6 divisions that cover different regions of the state. Each division also holds hearings in different locations within its region. As of January 2022, the Housing Court is operating both remotely and in-person.

Find the address and phone number for the Housing Court that serves your city or town. See mass.gov/orgs/housing-court/locations.

Find contact information for programs that help tenants and look for additional information available in each of the divisions at mass.gov/guides/housing-court-resources.