Submitted by StephW on Mon, 06/22/2009 - 14:13
I am going to housing court next week to try to evict my tenant. This is the first time I've had to do this and I am unsure how to proceed. From some 'landlord chat' at the coffee shop I learned that the housing court has mediators. I wouldn't mind keeping the tenant if she paid her back rent but she is avoiding me. So, how do I sign up and do I have to do what the mediator tells me to do?
Editor's Response
The Massachusetts Housing Court has 'Housing Specialists' who act as, among other things, mediators for all cases that come before the court. I encourage you to go into the mediation with an open mind (especially since you seem interested in keeping the tenant) because they are often able to bridge the communication gap between tenant and landlord. They have a lot of experience. However, the mediation is not binding, and you are free to proceed to court if you cannot reach an agreement.
Also, depending on the amount of money involved, and because you have limited experience at Housing Court, you may want to consider a MA lawyer with experience in landlord/tenant matter. Good luck.