Massachusetts renter with "guests" that wont leave...

[Cathy T.]

One of my tenants has been asking me questions on her father's behalf, and I don't have the answers...so here I am!

Her father lives in Massachusetts, with his second wife and his adult son. They rent, and several weeks ago allowed a male friend to crash on their couch for a few nights. Well, that was a big mistake because somehow the friend quickly moved his girlfriend in WITH her two children! I don't have the details, but the friend and girlfriend are refusing to leave, and the property manager has given them until the end of this month to depart, or the eviction process will start on my tenant's father, wife, and son.

The friend and girlfriend are not on the lease, have never paid a dime in rent, and have nearly tripled the assorted bills that the father is responsible for. They are in a bad spot. I have suggested that they find legal assistance of some sort, and/or visit the local police department and ask what they should do.

Can anyone tell me what the process is to eject unwelcome house guests in Massachusetts?