Housing & Family Law

From the introduction to the compendium: The following is a compendium of state and local laws, enacted as of September 2023, that affect the housing rights of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. This compendium is designed to serve as a starting point for advocates conducting…

A discussion of Boston Housing Authority v. Y.A., which included guidance from the Supreme Judicial Court on the application of VAWA protections in summary process cases, including holding that a tenant may raise a VAWA defense to eviction at any time during an eviction proceeding, 

Not infrequently, victims of crime want to move as a result of a crime. This booklet provides information about specific protections and rights that victims of crime such as domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking have if they seek to end their lease early, or transfer to a new unit in public or…

On January 3, 2013 Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill extending certain housing rights and protections to victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and stalking (Chapter 402 of the Acts of 2012), which amends G.L. c. 186 to add seven new sections (G.L. c. 186, §§…

Published by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, this website provides information about resources for housing search, temporary housing and shelter, public and subsidized housing. Includes phone numbers of housing providers across the state.

Many domestic violence victims report losing their housing due, at least in part, to the violence in their lives.  Several jurisdictions have enacted laws specifically indicating that domestic violence victims are protected from housing discrimination. - 

Attached is the VAWA certification form promulgated by HUD. If someone claims protection under VAWA they need to submit this form or otherwise ask for protection.

From the 2008 summary:  "This comprehensive guidebook provides information on all state and federal affordable housing programs administered in Massachusetts. The guidebook’s 14 chapters include an overview of housing needs, state budget trends, and information on programs ranging…

"... The major thrust of this memorandum explains the verification that LHAs may require of applicants requesting Emergency Case Status because of an Abusive Situation, and makes clear that an LHA may not insist on any one form of verification, such as a restraining order against the…