Cal. Civ. Code § 6
Penalties for illegal eviction; jurisdiction; defenses
Operative Text
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.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A, Section 6, a foreclosing owner who carries out an eviction in violation of the chapter's requirements—or of any local ordinance or bylaw enacted under it—faces a civil fine of at least $5,000 per violation, with each unlawful eviction counted as a separate offense. District courts, superior courts, and the housing court all have authority to hear cases arising from such violations and can issue equitable relief, including orders to stop an ongoing violation. The law also establishes that an attempted illegal eviction under this chapter can serve as a formal defense in an eviction proceeding.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Foreclosing owners operating under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A, Section 6 are generally expected to ensure that every step of any eviction process fully complies with the chapter's requirements and with any applicable local ordinances or bylaws adopted under it. Because each non-compliant eviction is treated as a distinct offense carrying a minimum $5,000 fine, compliant operators typically conduct a careful review of tenant protections before initiating any removal action following a foreclosure. Maintaining thorough documentation of compliance efforts is a practice commonly associated with responsible post-foreclosure property management under this framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186A, Section 6 gives tenants a meaningful procedural tool: if a foreclosing owner attempts an eviction that violates this chapter or a related local ordinance or bylaw, that violation can be raised as a defense directly within the eviction proceeding itself. Tenants also have access to district courts, superior courts, and the housing court, all of which hold jurisdiction over claims arising under this chapter, including the ability to seek equitable relief to halt an unlawful eviction. Tenants who believe their situation may involve a violation of Section 6 can explore their options by contacting a local tenant-rights organization or a legal aid office familiar with Massachusetts foreclosure and housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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