Protection from eviction: Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking
Nobody deserves abuse by an intimate partner or a family member, but unfortunately many people experience abuse by a loved one or someone they were previously in a relationship with. Many people also experience assault, stalking or harassment by someone they have no relationship with whatsoever. All too often this abuse can lead to housing issues such as eviction or the need to relocate quickly. This article will review eviction protections. Domestic violence: Your right to terminate your lease for safety reasons covers the right to leave your apartment before your tenancy ends.
If you are a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, or facing sexual harassment by the landlord, you have certain legal protections from eviction. If you get any eviction notice, get legal help as soon as possible.
The rights that you have depend on what type of housing you live in. Check your lease to find out what type of housing you live in. If you do not have a lease, your housing is most likely unsubsidized, private market housing.
In this article, learn what protections you have:
- if your apartment is subsidized by a federal funding source like the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This includes federally-funded public housing, Project-Based Section 8, Mobile Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher programs), and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
- if you live in an apartment with no rental subsidy or a state-funded housing subsidy program. This includes state-funded public housing or the Massachusetts Rental Housing Voucher Program.
Call 911 if you are in danger right now.
If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact:
- SafeLink Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-785-2020 (24/7, in many languages)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text "START" to 88788 or chat online
See Jane Doe's list of Massachusetts domestic violence programs and court resources for safety and support.