Exploring Right to Counsel Program

During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution in support of S.864 and H.4360, an act promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts.

According to the Massachusetts Trial Court website, while 90% of landlords have legal representation, only 3% of tenants who are facing eviction for non-payment in Housing and District Court are represented. The website also notes that almost 38,530 eviction cases were filed statewide in Housing and District Courts in 2023.

According to the resolution, access to critical legal resources, support, and representation from an attorney can protect families and individuals from being displaced by an illegal or unnecessary eviction, prevent homelessness, and create a path to stability.

The Council expressed its full support for the Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts and urged the State Legislature to pass the bills to support the goal of ensuring representation for individuals facing eviction.