Massachusetts § 17A - Limitation of actions
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 17A — Limitation of actions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17A. Limitation of actions
Section 17A. Actions on mortgage notes, whether witnessed or not, or on other obligations to pay a debt secured by mortgage of real estate, to recover judgments for deficiencies after foreclosure by sale under a power contained in the mortgage, and actions on such notes or other obligations which are subject to a prior mortgage, to recover the amount due thereon after the foreclosure by sale of such prior mortgage under power contained therein, shall, except as hereinafter provided, be commenced within two years after the date of the foreclosure sale or, if the principal of the note or other obligation does not become payable until after the foreclosure sale, then within two years after the time when the cause of action for the principal accrues.
Such actions in cases where the foreclosure sale shall have occurred or the cause of action shall have accrued prior to January first, nineteen hundred and forty-six shall be commenced within two years after said date. Nothing in this section shall extend any other period of limitation.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 17A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 17A cover?
Section 17A ("Limitation of actions") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 17A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 17A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 17A apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.