He has 0 days to wait - no, a Boston landlord cannot legally lock him out over rent without a court case, a judgment, and a sheriff or constable.

If the landlord changed the locks, shut off utilities, removed doors, or tossed his stuff without going through Massachusetts Summary Process, that is usually an illegal eviction.

In Massachusetts, the landlord has to give the right Notice to Quit, then file in court, then win possession. Even after winning, the landlord still cannot personally remove the tenant. Only a sheriff or constable can enforce the court's execution, and that usually comes only after the judgment period runs. A random lock change is the landlord taking the law into their own hands.

Boston tenants can move fast on this. Your brother should call the Boston Housing Court and the City of Boston Office of Housing Stability right away. He can also call the police if he is being kept out of his home, because this is not just a "civil matter" when someone is illegally excluded from their residence.

If he already got court papers, the clock matters:

• His Answer in a Massachusetts eviction case is usually due by the Monday before the court date
• If the landlord wins, an execution usually cannot issue for 10 days
• The sheriff or constable must then give at least 48 hours' notice before a physical move-out

If he is behind on rent because debt buried him, that does not give the landlord a free pass. Owing money and losing legal rights are not the same thing.

He may be able to ask the court for access, damages, and payment of costs if the lockout was illegal. If school just started and kids' housing is at risk, say that immediately when calling Housing Court or Office of Housing Stability.