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Somerville staff detail outreach after state law enables sealing some eviction records
Summary
City housing staff described workshops and petition activity after a state law effective May 5 expanded when eviction records can be sealed; Somerville held six workshops, filed 17 petitions and reported four seals so far.
City housing staff told the Somerville City Council committee on June 30 that the city has stepped up outreach after recent state legislation made it possible for tenants to petition to seal certain eviction records.
"This bill is this law has been in effect since May 5," the presenter said, describing changes that allow tenants to petition courts to seal records in a range of circumstances, including immediate sealing after full payment of a nonpayment judgment and the ability to petition after four years of nonpayment evictions where the petitioner shows financial hardship. The presenter summarized rules for no-fault and fault evictions and said courts retain discretion about whether to hold hearings or to seal on paperwork alone.
Why it matters: Staff said eviction records are used by landlord-screening companies and can block housing opportunities even where eviction cases were dismissed or where a person shares a name with someone in the database. Making sealing available is intended to reduce that barrier.
Outreach and results: Staff described a regional outreach partnership with Cambridge and other providers. The Office held six low-barrier workshops, sent more than 100 letters to potentially eligible clients, and circulated an alert to an 800-person email list. Staff reported filing 17 sealing petitions from Somerville workshops and said four of those petitions have been sealed; others are pending, with outcomes varying by court. The office also plans to update the Housing Stability Notification Act materials tenants receive at lease start and at eviction to include sealing information.
Staff said the trial court's walk-through petition system has simplified pro se filing for many tenants: the online tool fills out the form and explains service requirements.
Committee response: Council members thanked staff for outreach work and training. No formal committee action was recorded on the update; staff said the office will continue workshops and assist residents who request help.
Ending: Staff asked councilors to share the outreach information with constituents and noted that the office will continue to provide legal support and training for sealing petitions.
