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:

1. 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.
2. Docket No. and Entry Date
   • Leave these fields blank as they will be filled in by the court clerk.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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).
6. 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.
7. Signatures
   • SIGNATURE OF PLAINTIFF OR ATTORNEY: The landlord or their attorney must sign here.
   • DATE: Enter the date the form is signed.
8. 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.
9. Sheriff’s Command
   • SHERIFF’S INFORMATION: This part is for the sheriff or constable to fill out when serving the summons to the tenant.
10. Officer’s Return
    • SERVICE DETAILS: The sheriff or constable will complete this section, indicating how and when the summons was served.
11. 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.