Housing law change helps domestic violence victims

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - A new state law will allow victims of domestic violence to terminate their leases in order to get out of a dangerous situation.

Governor Deval Patrick signed the bill on Thursday afternoon. The legislation gives tentants who have been subjected to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking the ability to flee an apartment without being held liable for the remainder of the lease.

Karen Cavanaugh of Holyoke-based Womanshelter/Companeras says this helps provide a solution to one of the problems that prolongs domestic violence.

"One thing that keeps people in dangerous situations are the financial repercussions of that (leaving an apartment), and this will go a long way to keeping people safe,” Cavanaugh said.

Aside from relieving certain people from rental obligations, the bill also prevents landlords from refusing to rent to someone because they ended a lease.