Domestic Violence Protections

Domestic violence protection laws provide special protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. These laws vary by state but typically:

1. Prohibit landlords from discriminating against or evicting tenants based on their status as victims of domestic violence.
2. Allow victims to terminate their lease early without penalty if they need to move for safety reasons.
3. Require landlords to change locks or take other security measures at the victim’s request and expense.
4. Protect victims from being held liable for damages caused by their abusers.

Victims may need to provide documentation, such as a police report or restraining order, to qualify for these protections. Landlords must keep any information about a tenant’s domestic violence status confidential and cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights under these laws.