SALEM – The City of Salem, Northeast Legal Aid, and the Essex County Bar Association will host a Free Eviction Sealing Clinic on January 15th, 2026 from 3:00–7:00 PM at the Community Life Center (Great Room), 401 Bridge Street, Salem, MA. The clinic will provide free legal assistance to help eligible residents from Salem and surrounding communities seal eviction records under the new Massachusetts law that took effect on May 5, 2025.
The recently enacted law allows tenants to petition the court to seal certain eviction records, depending on the type of case and its outcome. Once sealed, these records are no longer publicly accessible, and tenants may legally answer “no record” on housing applications when all eligible cases have been sealed. Advocates have praised the law as a major step toward expanding access to stable housing and reducing discrimination based on past eviction filings.
“This new law gives residents a real opportunity to move forward without old eviction records holding them back,” said Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, “We want every eligible resident in our region to understand their rights and have access to the support they need.”
“Eviction records can follow people for years, even when the underlying issues have long been resolved,” said Lori Stewart, Housing Stability Coordinator for the City of Salem, “This clinic gives renters a real chance to remove those barriers and move forward with confidence.”
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Event Details
Free Eviction Sealing Clinic Date: January 15, 2026
Time: 3:00–7:00 PM
Location: Community Life Center, Great Room 401 Bridge St, Salem, MA 01970
Services Offered
- Free legal assistance with eviction record sealing
- Guidance on eligibility under the new Massachusetts law
- On-site support completing petitions
How to Attend
Walk-ins are welcome. Residents may also pre-register by:
- Visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KNSRPKXand submitting their information
- Calling 978-722-0873
Participants must be financially eligible for services. For more information about the event, please call 978-722-0873.
About the Partners
This clinic is a collaboration among the City of Salem, Northeast Legal Aid, and the Essex County Bar Association to expand access to justice and ensure that residents across the region can fully benefit from the Commonwealth’s new eviction record-sealing protections.
