BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Added protections for Bay State tenants took effect on Monday.
Thanks to a provision in the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, tenants in the Commonwealth now have the ability to petition the court to seal their eviction records. Prior to Monday, there was no way for the court to seal eviction records, even when cases were dismissed.
State Sen. Lydia Edwards, who spearheaded the legislation, called it a part of justice infrastructure and a second chance for tenants. Massachusetts Law Reform Institute’s Annette Duke said they received support from several local organizations, including the Greater Boston Real Estate Board.
“There was no process, and this really marks a fair process,” said Duke. “This is an incredible moment. We fought really hard with many community groups with a lot of municipal leaders.”
State officials and housing advocates gathered outside the Eastern Housing Court on Monday to mark the law taking effect. Attorney General Andrea Campbell was among those who spoke, showing her support for giving tenants the opportunity for a fresh start.
“An eviction record, even one that has been dismissed or brought in retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights, is a barrier to safe and stable housing. That can have a long-term and devastating impact on a family and on an individual,” said Campbell.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.