Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 239 - Summary Process for Possession of Land
Section 8 - Three Years Quiet Possession; Effect

Section 8. There shall be no recovery under this chapter of any land or tenements of which the defendant, his ancestors or those under whom he holds the land or tenements have been in quiet possession for three years next before the commencement of the action unless the defendant's estate therein is ended.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws

Massachusetts General Laws

Part III - Courts, Judicial Officers and Proceedings in Civil Cases

Title III - Remedies Relating to Real Property

Chapter 239 - Summary Process for Possession of Land

Section 1 - Persons Entitled to Summary Process

Section 1a - Land or Tenements Used for Residential Purposes; Action by Lessor Under This Chapter to Recover Possession; Conditions and Restrictions

Section 2 - Jurisdiction; Venue; Form of Writ

Section 2a - Reprisal for Reporting Violations of Law, for Tenant's Union Activity, or Actions Taken Pursuant to Laws Protecting Tenants Who Are Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault or Stalking; Defense; Presumption

Section 3 - Judgment and Execution; Costs; Appeal

Section 4 - Storage of Property Removed; Notice of Presence and Condition of Animals; Liens and Enforcement; Penalties

Section 5 - Appeal; Bond; Actions Thereon; Waiver; Appeal of Waiver or Periodic Payments; Notice of Decision

Section 6 - Condition of Bond in Action for Possession After Foreclosure of Mortgage; After Purchase

Section 6a - Condition of Bond After Foreclosure of Tax Title

Section 7 - Judgments; Effect

Section 8 - Three Years Quiet Possession; Effect

Section 8a - Rent Withholding; Grounds; Amount Claimed; Presumptions and Burden of Proof; Procedures

Section 9 - Stay of Proceedings

Section 10 - Stay of Proceedings; Hearings

Section 11 - Stay of Proceedings; Deposit of Applicant

Section 12 - Stay of Proceedings; Validity of Waiver in Lease

Section 13 - Stay of Proceedings; Costs

Section 14 - Inspection of Property for Presence of Abandoned Animals