Section 6. A foreclosing owner that evicts a tenant in violation of this chapter or any ordinance or by-law adopted pursuant to this chapter, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $5,000. Each such illegal eviction shall constitute a separate offense.
The district and superior courts and the housing court shall have jurisdiction over an action arising from a violation of this chapter or of any ordinance or by-law adopted pursuant to this chapter, and shall have jurisdiction in equity to restrain any such violation. It shall be a defense to an eviction proceeding that the foreclosing owner attempted to evict a tenant in violation of this chapter or any ordinance or by-law adopted pursuant to this chapter.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part II - Real and Personal Property and Domestic Relations
Title I - Title to Real Property
Chapter 186a - Tenant Protections in Foreclosed Properties
Section 2 - Eviction of Tenants Prohibited; Exceptions
Section 3 - Written Notice of Identity and Address of Foreclosing Owner
Section 4 - Just Cause Eviction; Prerequisites
Section 5 - Claim by Foreclosing Owner to Set New Use and Occupancy Rate
Section 6 - Penalties for Illegal Eviction; Jurisdiction; Defenses