For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Madeline Graf, mgraf@mlri.org, 617-357-0700 ext. 368

Boston, MA (May 1, 2025) – Massachusetts tenants now have the right to seal their eviction records in certain types of cases, removing a significant barrier to housing access. The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is excited to announce that the new eviction record sealing protections, passed as part of the Affordable Homes Act, are now in effect, providing eligible tenants with the chance for a clean slate as they search for a next place to live.

Under the new law, tenants will have the ability to petition courts to seal their eviction records depending on the type of case and its outcome. The law also makes it illegal for consumer reporting agencies to include information about sealed eviction records in their reports.

“As someone who has both organized alongside tenants and fought for housing justice in the State House, I know how life-changing this moment is,” said Senator Lydia Edwards. “Eviction record sealing isn’t just a policy—it’s about restoring dignity, opening doors, and recognizing that one tough chapter shouldn’t define a person’s future. I’m proud that Massachusetts is making housing more equitable and allowing residents in the State to have a second chance.”

“This will help many, many people access safe, decent, and affordable housing at a time when it is incredibly difficult to do that,” says Annette Duke, Senior Housing Attorney with MLRI. “Eviction records have been a serious barrier to finding housing, which has led to people becoming homeless. This law addresses a critical gap in our housing system.”

But many tenants will not know about this new law and do not understand that having an eviction record that is publically available on the court’s website can hurt their ability to find a next place to live. The Trial Court is releasing an online Guided Interview which will be an important tool to help tenants and their advocates complete the court’s eviction record sealing petition.

“This law is an enormous step forward for tenants who have been denied housing opportunities due to publicly available eviction records,” said Gladys Vega, Executive Director of La Colaborativa. “For immigrant communities and low income families, a single eviction case – even one they ultimately won or was dismissed– could mean years of housing instability. This legislation offers real hope and a concrete path forward.”

The passage of this legislation represents years of dedicated advocacy from a broad based coalition of tenant-rights organizations. We extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Maura Healey for including these protections in the Affordable Homes Act, Attorney General Campbell for her unwavering support, and Senator Lydia Edwards who championed the legislation.

MLRI is currently working with our legal and community partners to ensure that the tenants know about their right to seal. Most recently, MLRI with Greater Boston Legal Services and the Tenant Advocacy Project at Harvard Law School, completed a comprehensive FAQ to educate the public about the new process. Tenants seeking information about the eviction record sealing law can visit www.SealMyEviction.Org.

MLRI will continue working with community and legal partners on developing educational materials and trainings to ensure tenants understand how and when they can seal their eviction records.

Statements

Anonymous Tenant: “Less than 5% of all housing in this country is accessible for people with disabilities.  Also, people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to be homeless as nondisabled folks.  Eviction record sealing can help change this dynamic by giving people a fresh start to find and live in what limited accessible housing exists.”

Hed Ehrlich, Managing Attorney of the Housing Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services: “A harsh reality of our housing market is the persistent discrimination faced by tenants with past eviction records. Too often, landlords refuse to rent to individuals and families simply because an eviction case appears on their record, regardless of whether the tenant won the case, or it was ultimately dismissed. Allowing tenants the opportunity to seal eviction records and move forward with a clean slate introduces much-needed fairness, compassion, and common sense into our real estate market, and a vital step toward a more equitable Commonwealth.”

Lori Stewart, Affordable Housing Specialist, League of Women’s Voters MA and Housing Stability Coordinator, City of Salem: “Eviction sealing will empower countless individuals—especially those who have won their cases, had them dismissed, or resolved past issues—by eliminating a major barrier to stable housing. This change is particularly impactful for women and people of color, who are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and eviction. The League of Women’s Voters Massachusetts (LWVMA) and the City of Salem, both proud supporters of this law, are excited to help spread the word about eviction sealing and the positive change it brings to so many lives.”

Pamela Schwartz, Director, Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness: “We are thrilled to see the start of eviction record sealing in western Massachusetts and hope that tenants will start to access the court’s new petition form and other resources available to them.  Addressing this barrier to housing is absolutely critical to reducing homelessness across our region.”

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About the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute

Founded in 1968, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is a nonprofit poverty law and policy program that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. To learn more, visit MLRI.org.