Eviction begins with a Notice to Quit. This notice, which
many may not know, does not mean you have to vacate the premises by the date on
the paper. It simply begins the process of eviction.
As discovered in class, the notice itself is not very clear.
Written in law language, the actual writing is confusing and does not clearly
state its position as the beginning of the eviction process. Once you get
beyond the obscure language and interpretation of the writing, the notice to
quit lacks reference to available resources.
During a class exercise of researching resources for housing
courts, specifically in Boston and more generally in the state of Massachusetts,
it was discovered that the available resources are hard to find. Even when you
know what you’re looking for, the resources are not readily available in a
direct way.
Once you get passed the confusion and misdirection, there
are many resources available, ranging from state to city to private
organizations. These resources, available online, clarify the eviction process
and the steps both the landlord and tenant must take. If you aren’t aware that
these resources exist, it may be simply impossible to find them.
Through this exercise, it became apparent that the resources
for housing court are available. The state government and the city government
provide ample resources for all parties involved, but the issue then becomes
finding these resources.
I personally did not know that a Notice to Quit was not an
eviction notice until this class. Had I received one prior to learning this, I
wouldn’t have known where to find resources or what to do, other than vacate
the apartment.
The resources that are available need to become more easily
available. The answer to this may mean providing access to resources or
awareness of resources on the Notice to Quit or including an address or phone
number where the recipient may access these resources.
From this research, I think that the issue is not providing
clear resources for those dealing with housing court, but providing easy access
for all.