# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 4: Triple damages for waste; liability of co-tenant

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S4

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 4
- **Heading:** Triple damages for waste; liability of co-tenant
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part III / Title III / Chapter 242 / Section 4

## Text

Section 4. A joint tenant or tenant in common of undivided land who cuts down, destroys or carries away trees, timber, wood or underwood standing or lying on such land, or digs up or carries away stone, ore or other valuable thing found there, or commits any other waste, without first giving thirty days' notice in writing under his hand to all other persons interested therein or to their respective agents or attorneys of his intention to enter upon and improve the land, or who does any of said acts during the pendency of a petition or other proceeding for the partition of the land shall forfeit three times the amount of the damages assessed therefor.

Section 4. A joint tenant or tenant in common of undivided land who cuts down, destroys or carries away trees, timber, wood or underwood standing or lying on such land, or digs up or carries away stone, ore or other valuable thing found there, or commits any other waste, without first giving thirty days' notice in writing under his hand to all other persons interested therein or to their respective agents or attorneys of his intention to enter upon and improve the land, or who does any of said acts during the pendency of a petition or other proceeding for the partition of the land shall forfeit three times the amount of the damages assessed therefor.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 1 Waste; persons entitled to maintain; jury trial](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 2 Actions of tort in nature of waste; persons entitled to maintain](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 3 Actions in tort in nature of waste; when maintainable against representatives](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 4 Triple damages for waste; liability of co-tenant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 5 Actions for triple damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 6 Triple damages for waste during pendency of action for recovery of land](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 7 Willful trespass to trees, etc.; damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S7.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 7A Agricultural or horticultural land; theft or destruction; treble damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S7A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 7B Damage by off-highway or recreational vehicle to field crops or agricultural property; treble damages; definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S7B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 8 Involuntary trespass; tender of damages](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S8.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 242, sec. 9 Enjoining waste; jurisdiction; bond](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S9.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C242_S4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.