Massachusetts tenants now have the right to seal their eviction records in certain types of cases, removing a significant barrier to housing access. Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the City of Salem are pleased to share that the new eviction record sealing protections, passed as part of the Affordable Homes Act, are now in effect, providing eligible tenants in Salem and throughout the Commonwealth with the chance for a clean slate as they search for their next place to live.
Under the new law, tenants will be able 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.
However, many tenants may not know about this new law or understand that having an eviction record that is publicly available on the court’s website can hurt their ability to find a new 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.
“Eviction can be a significant barrier to stable housing for many,” said Mayor Pangallo, “This important new protection will allow renters the opportunity for a fair shot at stability in a challenging housing landscape. I am grateful to those at the state level and here in Salem who worked hard to pass this legislation, and I encourage all residents to attend the upcoming workshop and clinic to learn more about this new change in housing law.”
The passage of this legislation represents years of dedicated advocacy from a broad coalition of tenant-rights organizations, including Salem’s Housing Stability Coordinator, Lori Stewart.
“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,” said Lori Stewart, City of Salem Housing Stability Coordinator, “This change is particularly impactful for women and people of color, who are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity and eviction. The City of Salem, a proud supporter of this law, is excited to help spread the word about eviction sealing and the positive change it brings to so many lives.”
The City of Salem is working to ensure that tenants know about their right to seal. Tenants seeking information about the eviction record sealing law can visit: www.SealMyEviction.Org. We will continue working with the community and legal partners to distribute educational materials and provide training to ensure tenants understand how and when they can seal their eviction records.
On June 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., the City of Salem and the Essex County Bar Association will host an eviction sealing workshop and clinic for the first 30 Salem residents who sign up at housingldp@essexcountybar.net. Sealing your eviction record will depend on the type of case and the outcome. There is no guarantee that you will be able to seal your eviction record. Eviction sealing is not automatic and depends on the type of eviction and the outcome of the case. Visit www.SealMyEviction.org to learn more about this new law.
