End of Lease - Tenant Does Not Vacate (MA)

[Kelsey G.]

(Massachusetts) We have a tenant whose lease ends 5/31. We are giving them approximately 40 days notice that we will not renew their lease due to renovations.

I can foresee them not leaving when their lease is up and I want to prepare myself if this happens. I recall reading that you can have a police officer come and escort them off of property if this happens. Is this accurate or do I need to file a claim in court?

We have keypad locks  on the outside doors, so we will be changing their code the day after their lease ends.

Any help is appreciated!

[Mike S.]

Changing the lock is illegal and you're going to get your *** handed to you in court.  You'll have to evict the tenant, there are no shortcuts.