Eviction Record Sealing

Beginning on May 5, 2025, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 239, Section 16, will allow individuals to seal their eviction records if they meet certain requirements. This means that residents may be able to remove their eviction record(s) from public view. This may make it easier to find housing in the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Eviction Record Sealing

1. Who can seal their eviction records? Anyone can seal their record if they meet the requirements of the law. The type of eviction case you had and/or the outcome of the case may affect when you can seal your record. 
   
   
2. How can I seal my eviction record? You will need to fill out a court form and, if you are eligible, you will need file it with the court. You can do this on your own online or attend an eviction record sealing workshop listed above. For more information, check the website at www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apartments-shelter/eviction-sealing
   
   
3. Why should I seal my eviction records? Having an eviction on your record can make it harder for you to find a place to live. Landlords can look at your publicly available record which could be a reason for them to deny you, even if you won your case or had it dismissed. Eviction records may also show up on your credit reports. 
   
   
4. Do I have to seal my eviction records?  You can choose not to seal your eviction records. If you do not, your record will remain publicly available in the court records. 
   
   
5. Is there a timeframe for sealing?  When you are eligible to seal depends, in part,  on the type of eviction, the outcome of the case, and in some cases, the amount of time that has passed since the case was resolved. Once you are eligible, you can seal your eviction record at any time. Even if you lost your case, if enough time has passed (7 years for a fault eviction, 4 years for certain nonpayment evictions), you are eligible to petition to seal your record.
   
   
6. Who can help me seal my eviction records? We are here to help. Please contact the Office of the Housing Liaison at housingliaison@cambridgema.gov Call: 617-349-7222 (if you live in Cambridge) or the Office of Housing Stability at bit.ly/OHSreferral (if you live in Somerville).
   
   
7. What should I bring to seal my eviction? Please bring any paperwork you have related to your eviction including court documents and, for nonpayment evictions, proof of rental payments. Even if you do not have your documents, you should still come to seal your eviction. 
   
   
8. Who can answer my questions about eviction record sealing? Please contact the Office of the Housing Liaison at housingliaison@cambridgema.gov (if you live in Cambridge) or the Office of Housing Stability at bit.ly/OHSreferral (if you live in Somerville).