Bill to make lease terms more lenient for domestic abuse victims

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A bill that would allow domestic abuse victims to break their rental leases moved one step closer to becoming a Massachusetts law.

Too often abusive relationships turn into deadly situations. And Massachusetts lawmakers say they've found a way to give domestic abuse victims a way to leave before it's too late.

The State Senate unanimously approved the bill last month, and House lawmakers gave their initial approval this week.

If signed into law, it will allow victims of domestic abuse to end their lease and leave an abusive setting without financial penalty.

A new bill takes away an abused tenant's obligation to pay for the remaining months, if they break a lease early.

The bill also allows the tenant to ask the landlord to change the locks if they feel threatened by the significant other. Then the landlord must change the locks within two days of the request.

However, the bill still allows landlords to evict tenants.

Kevin Sears, the owner of Sears Real Estate in Springfield, told 22News, “If there's violence in the property, they need to be able to have an eviction tool as something they can use to keep the rest of their property safe and to keep the rest of the tenants and residents safe.”

Springfield resident Salomon Louis said, “You have to recognize that landlords do have the rights as well. Landlord can at least investigate into the situation himself or herself.”

Some people told 22News the Bill could go further.

Robyn Barkow of Springfield said, “What if you're in a situation where it's dire? You can't stay. 90 days... Sometimes, maybe if it was like a month?”

Twelve other states have similar laws.

Lawmakers say the bill has a good chance of making it to the governor's desk soon.