Domestic violence victim bill allows broken lease

Governor Patrick has signed a bill (SB2402)  designed to expand Massachusetts General Law 186 to give victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault added protection from assailants. This bill will give victims who live in private housing the same protections as residents of public housing. This includes letting them break a lease without penalty. The bill also allows the victims to request timely changing of locks. Landlords may request verification of victim status, but will be required to keep it confidential.