~ In a recent development, the Council has officially declared its support for H.4356, an act aimed at promoting housing opportunity and mobility through eviction sealing. This legislation comes in response to the staggering number of over one million evictions that have been filed in Massachusetts over the past twenty-four years.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, tenants make up a significant portion of Boston and Massachusetts residents, with 65% and 46% respectively. However, these individuals face increasing challenges when it comes to securing safe and stable housing for themselves and their families.

One of the major concerns is that once an eviction case is filed against a tenant, it becomes a permanent part of their record. This record documents any history of being sued or suing a landlord. This can have long-lasting consequences for tenants, making it difficult for them to find future housing opportunities.

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H.4356 seeks to address this issue by providing a path for sealing eviction records in certain cases. This would protect tenants from being unfairly labeled with an eviction record and give them a chance to start fresh. It is important to note that this legislation does not alter the rights of landlords or property owners and allows all parties involved to exercise their legal rights.

The Council has thrown its support behind this bill, with a particular focus on incorporating provisions for automatic sealing in cases that are dismissed, resolved in favor of the tenant, or involve no-fault evictions. This move is seen as a step towards promoting fair housing practices and providing equal opportunities for all residents in Massachusetts.

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