Breaking a Lease Early: Laws by State (2026)
When a tenant can end a lease early without owing the rest of the rent — domestic violence, military orders, medical needs and more — in all 50 states and DC.
Breaking a lease: the general rule
A tenant who leaves before a fixed-term lease ends can owe rent until the lease ends or the unit is re-rented. Many states require landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent (to "mitigate damages"), which limits what the tenant owes. Some situations give tenants a legal right to end the lease early with notice:
- Military service: federal law (the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) lets servicemembers end a residential lease after entering active duty or receiving qualifying orders, with written notice and a copy of the orders.
- Domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking: many states let survivors end a lease early with notice and documentation; federal VAWA protections also apply in federally assisted housing.
- Other state rights: some states add medical, disability, senior-care or tenant-death rules (see the table).
Breaking a Lease: all 50 states and DC
| State | Ending a lease: domestic violence | Ending a lease: military, medical, death |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No statute — Alabama has no state law letting domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking survivors end a lease early. Ala. Code Title 35, Ch. 9A (checked) | No state-law early termination right found in the Alabama URLTA for military service beyond the federal SCRA, medical/disability, seniors, or tenant death. Ala. Code Title 35, Ch. 9A (checked) |
| Alaska | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Arizona | A victim of domestic violence, or of sexual assault in the dwelling, may end the lease by giving the landlord written notice requesting release, with a mutually agreed release date within the next 30 days. The notice must include either a copy of a protective order or a law enforcement departmental report stating that the tenant reported being a victim. The incident must have occurred within the 30 days before the notice, unless the landlord waives this. The tenant owes rent only through the termination date, plus earlier obligations, paid by move-out. The landlord may keep prepaid rent for the final month. No early-termination penalties or fees may be charged, and the deposit may not be withheld for the early termination, only for damages. Co-tenants' tenancy also ends. The victim may have the locks changed at the victim's own cost. The abuser can be civilly liable to the landlord for the landlord's losses. A tenant convicted of falsely filing the report or order owes treble damages. A.R.S. § 33-1318 | Law enforcement officers protected by an injunction against harassment issued within the previous 30 days may terminate the lease the same way as under § 33-1318. They must repay any lease concessions received (§ 33-1318.01). A tenant may also terminate the lease for the landlord's unlawful or harassing entry (§ 33-1376(B)). The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has no state-law early-termination right for military service (federal SCRA applies), medical or disability reasons, seniors moving to care, or the tenant's death. For a deceased or incapacitated tenant, § 33-1314(E)-(G) only governs retrieval of property by a person the tenant authorized. A.R.S. §§ 33-1318.01, 33-1376(B), 33-1314(E)-(G); Title 33, Ch. 10 section list checked |
| Arkansas | No statutory right to end a lease early. Ark. Code § 18-16-112 protects victims of domestic abuse whose status is documented by a court order. A landlord may not terminate, refuse to renew, refuse to lease, or retaliate because of the tenant's or a household member's victim status. With the landlord's prior consent and at the tenant's expense, the locks may be changed, and the new key must go to the other party. The landlord may evict the abuser. The statute does not let the victim end the lease or escape liability for rent. Ark. Code § 18-16-112 | Not verified yet |
| California | A tenant may end a lease if the tenant, a household member, or an immediate family member was the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, elder or dependent-adult abuse, or a crime that caused bodily injury or death or involved a deadly weapon or force or the threat of force. The tenant gives written notice with one of these attached: a protective or restraining order, a police report, a qualified third-party statement (from a counselor, advocate, or licensed health practitioner, in the form set out in the statute), or other documentation that reasonably verifies the act. Notice must be given within 180 days of the order, report, or incident. The tenant owes rent for no more than 14 days after giving notice (prorated if the unit is re-rented sooner) and is not treated as having breached the lease. The deposit may not be forfeited because of the termination. If the victim is a family member who did not live with the tenant and the act did not happen within 1,000 feet of the unit, the tenant must also attach a statement explaining the relocation. Landlords must keep the information confidential and may not refuse to rent to someone because the person used this right. Violations carry actual damages plus $100 to $5,000 in statutory damages. Cal. Civ. Code § 1946.7 (as amended by SB 1017, Stats. 2022, ch. 558) | Not verified yet |
| Colorado | A tenant who is a victim-survivor of domestic violence, domestic abuse, stalking, or unlawful sexual behavior may end the lease and move out because of fear of imminent danger to themselves or their children. The tenant, or a qualified third party, notifies the landlord in writing and provides at least one of: a self-attestation affidavit; a letter from a qualified third party such as an advocate, attorney, social worker, medical or mental health provider, or faith leader; a police report from the prior 120 days; or a valid protection or restraining order. Nothing more may be required. If documentation is missing, the tenant must provide it within 7 days of the landlord's written request. The tenant owes at most one month's rent, and only if the landlord gives the tenant a written statement of actual economic damages within 30 days after move-out. Missing that deadline forfeits the claim. Nothing is owed if another tenant stays on the lease. The tenant cannot be charged for damage caused by the abuse. Landlords must keep the tenant's status and new address confidential, may not ask applicants about it, and must allow lock changes and other reasonable safety measures. Violations: actual damages plus the greater of 3 months' rent or $5,000, plus attorney fees. C.R.S. §§ 38-12-401, 38-12-402 (as amended by HB 25-1168); § 38-12-103(1) | Tenant death: if a lease ends early because a tenant dies, lease clauses requiring any of the following are void: liquidated damages; acceleration of rent past the later of the end of the month or 10 business days after the unit is vacated following notice of the death; repayment of concessions or move-in discounts; or any other early-termination fee or penalty. The landlord may retake possession without court order if the estate's personal representative surrenders the unit, or if 30 days after the death rent is unpaid or substantially all property has been removed. The landlord may keep deposit funds for damage caused by the death. No Colorado statute was found giving tenants a state-law right to end a lease early for military service (beyond the federal SCRA), medical or disability reasons, or a move to senior or assisted care. C.R.S. § 38-12-801(3.5) (added by HB 25-1108, "Letty's Act") |
| Connecticut | A tenant who is a victim of family violence (leases entered into or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2011), or of sexual assault, including a parent or guardian with physical custody of a dependent victim (leases on or after Jan. 1, 2014), may end the lease without penalty or liability for the rest of the term. The tenant must reasonably believe it is necessary to leave because of fear of imminent harm to the tenant or a dependent, and must give the landlord at least 30 days' written notice. The notice must include a statement under oath or affirmation that the tenant or dependent is a victim, the intended termination date, and that the tenant has moved out or will move out by that date (anything left behind is treated as abandoned). It must also include either (a) a police or court record of the act dated no more than 90 days before the notice, or (b) a signed statement from an employee of the Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services or the Office of the Victim Advocate dated no more than 30 days before the notice. The tenant still owes rent arrears and damages incurred before termination, and co-tenants stay liable. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-11e | Chapter 830 has no state-law early termination right for military service (beyond the federal SCRA), medical or disability reasons, or seniors moving into care. Other termination rights in the chapter: the tenant may terminate on 14 days' written notice if the landlord's material noncompliance recurs within 6 months after notice (§ 47a-12); may terminate if essential services are wilfully cut off (§ 47a-13); and may vacate and terminate if fire or casualty makes the unit unusable, giving written notice within 14 days (§ 47a-14). Tenant death: when the sole occupant dies, the landlord may follow a probate-court affidavit and inventory process to regain possession (§ 47a-11d). This is a landlord remedy, not an estate termination right. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 47a-11d, 47a-12, 47a-13, 47a-14 |
| Delaware | A tenant who is a victim of domestic abuse, sexual offenses or stalking, or who has obtained or is seeking relief from a court, police agency, or domestic violence program, may end the tenancy on 30 days' written notice (the 30 days start on the first day of the month after notice is given). Separately, the landlord may not evict, raise rent, or cut services because of the victimization (rebuttable presumption within 90 days of an incident); this protection does not apply to a tenant otherwise delinquent in rent. 25 Del. C. §§ 5314(b)(6), 5316 | On 30 days' written notice (starting the first day of the next month): job relocation by the current employer of more than 30 miles; serious illness of the tenant, or death/serious illness of a resident immediate family member, requiring a permanent move; acceptance into senior housing, a group/cooperative facility or retirement home; acceptance into government- or nonprofit-subsidized housing; entering active-duty U.S. military service after signing; and termination by the surviving spouse or personal representative on the tenant's death. A deceased sole tenant's unit may be returned to the landlord without suit under § 5719. 25 Del. C. §§ 5314(b), 5719 |
| District of Columbia | A tenant who is a victim of an intrafamily offense (or parent/guardian of a minor victim) is released from the lease by giving written notice plus either a civil protection order or documentation signed by a qualified third party (police officer, DCHA police officer, health professional, or domestic violence counselor) showing the offense was reported. The request must be made within 90 days of the reported incident. Release takes effect 14 days after the landlord receives the notice and documentation (or earlier if the unit is re-rented); the tenant owes only prorated rent to that date, despite any lease penalty, plus any rent already past due. Victims may also require the landlord to change the locks within 5 business days (tenant reimburses cost). D.C. Code §§ 42-3505.07, 42-3505.08 | Not verified yet |
| Florida | No statute — the Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act contains no domestic-violence lease-termination right; lease terms and federal VAWA (covered housing only) govern. Fla. Stat. ch. 83, part II (§§ 83.40-83.684) | Servicemembers may end a lease with at least 30 days' written notice, with a copy of orders or a commanding officer's verification, for: permanent change of station 35+ miles away; early or involuntary discharge/release; release from active duty when the rental is 35+ miles from the home of record; orders or eligibility to move into government quarters; temporary duty or state active-duty orders over 60 days to 35+ miles away; or changed orders before move-in. Tenant owes only prorated rent to the termination date (nothing if terminated 14+ days before occupancy). If a servicemember dies on active duty, an adult immediate family member may terminate the same way with the death certificate. Cannot be waived. No statute for medical, senior, or general tenant-death termination (the landlord may recover possession after the last tenant's death under § 83.59(3)(d)). Fla. Stat. § 83.682 |
| Georgia | A tenant may end a residential lease when a civil family violence order, civil stalking order, criminal family violence order, or criminal stalking order has been issued protecting the tenant or the tenant's minor child (also available to a protected joint occupant). Give the landlord written notice with a copy of the order (plus a police report if the order is an ex parte temporary protective order); termination takes effect 30 days after notice. Tenant owes prorated rent to the effective date plus amounts already past due, but no other fees, rent or damages for the early termination; no damages if terminated 14+ days before move-in. Cannot be waived. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-23 | Service members (active duty in the regular or reserve armed forces, Coast Guard, or Georgia National Guard on federal orders of 90+ days) may end a lease on written notice effective at least 30 days after the landlord receives it, with a copy of orders or a commanding officer's verification, for: permanent change of station 35+ miles away; release from active/state active duty when the rental is 35+ miles from the home of record; orders to, or eligibility for, government quarters (if staying would forfeit housing allowance); temporary duty or state active-duty orders over 60 days to 35+ miles away; or changed orders before move-in. Prorated rent only; nothing if 14+ days before occupancy. If the service member dies on active duty, an adult immediate family member may terminate with a death certificate. Cannot be waived. No state statute for medical, senior, or tenant-death termination was located. O.C.G.A. § 44-7-22 |
| Hawaii | A tenant under a rental agreement of 1 year or less may terminate without penalty, fees, or liability for future rent if the tenant or a resident immediate family member was a domestic violence victim in the 90 days before notice. Written notice at least 14 days before the termination date, which must be no more than 104 days after the most recent act. Notice must include one of: certified restraining orders, injunctions against harassment, or criminal-case documents; documentation from a victim services or domestic violence program or shelter; or documentation from a medical or mental health provider, attorney, advocate, social worker or clergy member consulted about the violence; plus a written statement that the tenant reasonably believes the abuser knows where the tenant lives (unless the abuser lives in the same unit). Tenant owes rent through the termination date. Co-tenants stay bound if they can show ability to pay. Victims may also have locks changed. HRS §§ 521-80, 521-81 | Servicemember: may end a lease of 1 year or less without penalty on 30 days' written notice (15 days for month-to-month) if military orders require moving into on-post government quarters, not moving would forfeit the housing allowance, and the commanding officer denied a request to keep the allowance; notice must include orders or commanding-officer verification and proof of the denial. If a servicemember dies on active duty, an adult family member may terminate on 15 days' notice with the death certificate and proof of active duty. Tenant death: the tenancy ends 15 days after the landlord notifies the tenant's designated representative or estate, or the paid-through date if later. No state statute for medical or senior moves found. HRS §§ 521-83, 521-85 |
| Idaho | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Illinois | Under the Safe Homes Act, a tenant is not liable for rent for the period after moving out if (a) the tenant or a household member faced a credible imminent threat of domestic or sexual violence at the premises, or (b) the tenant or a household member was a victim of sexual violence on premises owned or controlled by the landlord within the prior 60 days; in either case the tenant must give written notice before or within 3 days of vacating stating the reason. For the sexual-violence route the notice must give the date and the tenant must provide medical, court or police evidence or a statement from a victim-services or rape-crisis worker. Rent owed before notice and move-out is still owed. Tenants may also have locks changed within 48 hours with supporting evidence. 765 ILCS 750/15, 750/20 (Safe Homes Act) | Military: an Illinois-resident service member (or family member living with them) may end a residential lease after entering military service for more than 29 consecutive days, or on permanent change-of-station or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by giving the landlord a copy of the orders. Termination takes effect 30 days after notice (for monthly rent, 30 days after the next rent due date); prepaid rent and the deposit (less actual damages) must be returned. Refusal is a civil-rights violation under the Human Rights Act. Flooding: a tenant not told the unit is in a FEMA flood zone (or about past flooding of a lower-level unit) may terminate within 30 days of learning of it or of a damaging flood, with advance rent and fees returned within 15 days. 765 ILCS 705/16; 765 ILCS 705/25(e) |
| Indiana | A 'protected individual' (tenant who is a victim or alleged victim of domestic/family violence, a sex offense, or stalking and has a civil protection order or criminal no-contact order) may end the lease with written notice at least 30 days before the termination date. The notice must include a copy of the protection or no-contact order and, for domestic violence or sexual assault victims, a safety plan dated within 30 days from an accredited DV or sexual assault program that recommends relocation. The tenant owes rent prorated to the termination date but no early-termination rent or fees; terminating at least 14 days before the right to occupy begins carries no damages or penalties. Other adult tenants stay bound. Landlords must also change locks within 48 hours (24 hours if the restrained person is a co-tenant) on written request with the order. IC 32-31-9-7, -9, -10, -12, -13 | No state statute was found giving early-termination rights for medical reasons, seniors moving to care, or (beyond federal SCRA) military service. On the death or incapacity of a sole occupant, the landlord must notify the tenant's representative, give access to remove property, and pay the representative the deposit and unearned rent due under IC 32-31-3-12; the statute does not itself terminate the lease. IC 32-31-1-23 |
| Iowa | No statute — Iowa Code ch. 562A contains no right for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking survivors to end a lease early. Related protection: a landlord may not limit, penalize, fine, or evict a tenant for summoning police or emergency help for a victim of abuse or crime or in an emergency (tenant may recover a civil penalty of one month's rent, among other remedies). Iowa Code §562A.27B; ch. 562A (checked) | No statute found in Iowa Code ch. 562A giving early-termination rights for medical reasons, seniors moving to care, military service (beyond federal SCRA), or tenant death. Iowa Code ch. 562A (checked) |
| Kansas | A 'protected person' (someone who in the preceding 12 months has been, is, or is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or stalking) is not liable for rent after vacating if they give the landlord a statement about the abuse. If the landlord asks, they must provide documentation: either a document signed by the victim and a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse, or behavioral-sciences licensee declaring under penalty of perjury that the incident occurred, or a court order granting relief. Rent and other amounts owed before move-out remain due. The landlord may charge a reasonable termination fee of up to one month's rent only if the lease provides for it. The lease continues for remaining tenants. Rights cannot be waived; violations carry $1,000 statutory damages plus attorney fees. K.S.A. 58-25,137 (L. 2019, ch. 56) | Military: a tenant in U.S. military service may end a month-to-month tenancy on not more than 15 days' written notice when military orders require it. No state statute was found for medical reasons, seniors moving to care, or tenant death. K.S.A. 58-2570(b) |
| Kentucky | Statewide (leases created or renewed on/after June 29, 2017). A tenant protected by a domestic violence order (KRS 403.740) or interpersonal protective order (KRS 456.060) may terminate by giving the landlord written notice of termination effective on a stated date at least 30 days after the landlord receives it, with a copy of the order. If the order was obtained before signing the lease, the tenant must also show a safety concern arising after the lease was signed. The tenant owes rent prorated to the termination date, is not liable for other rent or fees due solely to early termination, may not receive a negative credit entry or reference for it, and owes no damages if terminating 14+ days before occupancy. The restrained person is liable to the landlord for the landlord's economic losses. Protected tenants may also rekey or replace locks at their own expense after informing the landlord. KRS 383.300 | No Kentucky statute was found in KRS Chapter 383 giving early-termination rights for medical reasons, seniors moving to care, military service (beyond federal SCRA), or tenant death. KRS Chapter 383 (section list checked) |
| Louisiana | Domestic abuse, stalking, cyberstalking (R.S. 9:3261.1; applies only to buildings with 6+ units, excluding owner-occupied buildings of 10 or fewer units): the tenant must assert in writing that they or a household member are a domestic abuse victim and request early termination; provide 'reasonable documentation' (a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, or the statutory Certification of Domestic Abuse signed under oath by a qualified third party) of abuse on the premises within the past 30 days (for stalking/cyberstalking off-premises, a written declaration of why staying is a safety threat); commit in writing not to let the abuser access the unit; and, if asked, give the abuser's name and address. The landlord must then terminate the lease on a mutually agreed date within 30 days of the request; the tenant owes rent only through that date plus prior obligations, and the deposit may be withheld only as R.S. 9:3251 allows. Sexual assault (R.S. 9:3261.2, all leases): same process with documentation of a sexual assault in Louisiana within the past 60 days occurring after the lease was signed, using the statutory Certification of Sexual Assault or a protective order. La. R.S. 9:3261.1(E)-(F) (as amended by Acts 2026, No. 64 to add stalking/cyberstalking); La. R.S. 9:3261.2(B)-(D) | Not verified yet |
| Maine | Applies to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, and to tenants sexually harassed by the landlord or the landlord's agent. Notice: 7 days' written notice for a tenancy at will or a lease shorter than one year; 30 days' written notice for a lease of one year or more. Documentation naming the perpetrator is required, such as a signed statement from an advocate, health care provider or law enforcement officer, a protection order or complaint, a police report, or a criminal complaint or conviction. Liability: the victim owes no rent after the later of the date the notice expires or the date the victim moves out. Prepaid rent for the current month need not be refunded. Also: a victim cannot be evicted for incidents of violence against them, and owes no more than the security deposit for damage caused by a perpetrator who is a tenant, if notice is given within 30 days. 14 M.R.S. §§ 6001(6)(A)-(H), 6002(4); definitions § 6000 | Not verified yet |
| Maryland | A tenant who is, or whose legal occupant is, a 'victim of abuse' may end future lease liability with written notice of intent to vacate, sent by first-class mail or hand delivery, stating the victim status. The notice must include one of these: a protective order, a peace order based on abuse, or a qualified third party's report signed within the past 60 days with the alleged abuser's name and description redacted. The tenant has 30 days to move out and owes rent only from the notice date until move-out, up to 30 days. A tenant who leaves sooner must send a signed, notarized notice of vacating by first-class mail or hand delivery; the landlord must then inspect and confirm the rent owed or refund due. If the tenant has not left within 30 days, the landlord may treat them as a holdover or treat the notice as withdrawn. The abuser's liability does not end. Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-5A-02, 8-5A-03 | Military: an active service member, or the member's spouse, who receives a change of assignment owes no more than rent then due plus 30 days' rent after giving written notice and proof, plus repair costs for damage. A change of assignment includes PCS orders, temporary duty over 90 days, orders to move on base, and release from active duty. Medical: a tenant owes no more than 2 months' rent after moving out if, before vacating, they give written notice with a move-out date and a certification from a Maryland-licensed physician or psychologist, on letterhead or a prescription form. The certification must state that a medical condition restricts mobility, requires a move for a higher level of care, or is a mental disorder making continued residence unfeasible. The medical rule does not apply if the lease already has an early-termination clause requiring 1 month's notice or less and charging 2 months' rent or less. Md. Code, Real Prop. §§ 8-212.1, 8-212.2 |
| Massachusetts | A tenant or co-tenant may end the lease by written notice to the owner that a household member is a victim of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault or stalking. The notice must come within 3 months of the latest act, or while the household member reasonably fears imminent serious physical harm. The tenant must move out within 3 months of the notice or the notice is void. Liability: rent ends 30 days or one full rental period after the move-out date, whichever is later. Prepaid rent after that is refunded, and the deposit statement is due within 30 days. Proof the owner may request (any one): a protective order under c. 209A or 258E; a court or law enforcement record; or written verification from a qualified third party plus the victim's statement under penalty of perjury. The owner must keep the documents confidential. Other co-tenants stay bound by the lease. G.L. c. 186, § 24 | Not verified yet |
| Michigan | A tenant with a reasonable fear of present danger to the tenant or the tenant's child from domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking is released from rent. The tenant must send written notice of intent to seek release by certified mail, with a written statement of that fear and one qualifying document. Qualifying documents: a valid personal protection order (or similar order), a probation, parole or conditional release order with no-contact conditions, a police report that resulted in charges (charges filed within 14 days, or older charges with a verifiable present threat), or a qualified third party's verified report in the statutory form. Liability: rent ends no later than the first day of the second month that rent is due after notice, and not before the tenant moves out. Prepaid amounts, such as first and last month's rent, are not refunded, and the deposit may still be withheld as allowed by law. The lease must include, or the landlord must post or deliver, the statutory notice of this right. MCL 554.601b | Leases must let a tenant who has lived in the unit more than 13 months end the lease with 60 days' written notice if the tenant (a) becomes eligible during the lease term for subsidized senior citizen housing and gives written proof, or (b) becomes unable to live independently, as certified by a physician in a notarized statement. This applies to leases entered into, renewed or renegotiated after June 15, 1995. MCL 554.601a |
| Minnesota | A tenant may end the lease without penalty if the tenant or an authorized occupant fears imminent violence after domestic abuse, criminal sexual conduct, sexual extortion or harassment. The tenant must give signed, dated advance written notice by mail, in person, or by the usual written method of communication with the landlord. The notice must state the fear of imminent violence, the need to terminate, the termination date, and instructions for disposing of any personal property. A qualifying document must be attached: an order for protection, a no-contact order, a court official's writing, or a qualified third party's statement. A sole tenant owes rent for the full month in which the tenancy ends, gives up the security deposit, and owes no further rent. With multiple tenants, the whole lease ends at the later of month-end or the end of the rent interval. The landlord must keep the information confidential ($2,000 statutory damages) and cannot require the perpetrator's name. Minn. Stat. § 504B.206 | Tenant death: after the death of the tenant (or of all tenants), the landlord or the personal representative may end the lease with at least two months' written notice. The notice must take effect on the last day of a calendar month and be hand-delivered or sent by first-class mail. The estate still owes rent through the notice period and damage repair. Infirmity: a tenant or authorized representative may end the lease with at least two months' written notice, effective at month-end, hand-delivered or sent first-class. This applies when a medical professional (physician, APRN or mental health professional) finds the tenant must move into a medical care facility and the tenant meets the statute's need criteria. The notice must include the medical documentation and proof of acceptance at, or a pending application to, the facility. It does not apply if the landlord can offer an accessible unit in the same complex within two months. Neither right can be waived. Minn. Stat. §§ 504B.265, 504B.266 |
| Mississippi | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Missouri | Limited. Missouri has no notice-based lease-break procedure. Instead, in a landlord's action under Ch. 441, 534 or 535, a tenant who has moved out has an affirmative defense and is not liable for rent after vacating if the court finds (by a preponderance of the evidence) that the tenant was, or was in imminent danger of becoming, a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and the tenant notified the landlord and gave any requested documentation. Documentation can be a statement signed under penalty of perjury by a victim-service, health-care, or mental-health professional (also signed by the victim), or a police, court, or administrative agency record. The landlord may charge a reasonable termination fee. Victims also cannot be denied tenancy, evicted, or found in violation of a lease because of the abuse. RSMo 441.920 | Military: an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a Missouri Army or Air National Guard member on full-time duty or serving as a civil service technician, may end a residential lease on 15 days' written notice after receiving permanent change of station orders, temporary duty orders over 90 days to a location at least 25 miles away, discharge or release from duty, or orders to live in government quarters. A copy of the orders (or a commanding officer's letter) must be given before the termination date. Rent is due through the termination date, and the deposit and pet deposit must be refunded in full if the tenant otherwise complied with the lease and 535.300. No state statute was found for medical/disability, senior, or tenant-death terminations. RSMo 41.944 |
| Montana | No statute. The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act has no section letting a domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking survivor end a lease early. Mont. Code Ann. Title 70, Ch. 24 (section list reviewed) | No state statute found in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for military, medical/disability, senior, or tenant-death lease termination. Service members rely on the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Mont. Code Ann. Title 70, Ch. 24 (section list reviewed) |
| Nebraska | Yes. A tenant who is, or whose household member is, a victim of domestic violence may be released from the rental agreement if they have a protective order, restraining order or similar relief against the perpetrator, or a certification of domestic violence from a qualified third party (as under the federal VAWA 2013 housing provisions). The tenant must give the landlord a copy of that documentation and a written notice stating the release date (at least 14 and no more than 30 days after the notice) and naming any household members also being released. The tenant owes rent for the month in which the agreement is terminated but is not liable for rent or damage after the release date and cannot be charged a termination fee. Other co-tenants are not released, and a perpetrator cannot use this section. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1431.01 (Laws 2021, LB320) | No state statute found in the URLTA for military, medical/disability, or senior lease termination; service members rely on the federal SCRA. On a tenant's death the statute addresses only retrieval of personal property by a tenant-designated authorized person, not termination of the lease. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 76-1401 to 76-1449; 76-1414(5) |
| Nevada | Yes. If a tenant, co-tenant or household member is a victim of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, the tenant or any co-tenant may end the lease by written notice effective at the end of the current rental period or 30 days after notice, whichever is sooner. The notice must state the reason and include: for domestic violence, a protection order, a police report, or an affidavit in the statutory form signed by a qualified third party; for harassment, sexual assault or stalking, a police report or a court order under NRS 200.378 or 200.591. The incident must have occurred within the 90 days before the notice. The tenant owes rent only through the termination date (prepaid rent for that period may be kept), and the deposit may not be withheld for the early termination. The abuser can be liable to the landlord for the landlord's losses. The tenant may require a lock change at their cost, the landlord may not give the abuser a key or disclose the victim's whereabouts, and the termination may not be reported to a future landlord as an early termination. NRS 118A.345, 118A.347 | Medical/senior: a tenant who is 60 or older or has a physical or mental disability and must relocate for care or treatment that cannot be provided in the unit may end the lease with 30 days' written notice given within 60 days after relocating (certain co-tenants may too), with reasonable verification of the condition and need to relocate. Death: when the spouse or co-tenant of a tenant who is 60 or older or disabled dies, that tenant may end the lease with 60 days' written notice given within 3 months after the death. The notice must state the facts showing eligibility. No separate state military lease-termination provision was found in NRS 118A; the federal SCRA applies. NRS 118A.340 |
| New Hampshire | Yes (since Jan. 1, 2025). A tenant may end the lease if, within the most recent 150 days, the tenant or a household member at the premises was a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking (or a new event related to past abuse makes the victim fear for their safety), and the victim gives the landlord written verification of one of: a protective order; filing for a protective order; a report to law enforcement; a statement from a law enforcement official, victim's advocate, attorney or health care provider; or a signed circuit-court self-certification form. The tenant must move out within 30 days of notice (or another agreed date) and owes rent only through the termination date or move-out date, whichever is later. The deposit stays applied until all tenants leave. The landlord must keep the verification confidential. RSA 540:11-b (2024 ch. 9) | Military: a tenant may end a lease if called to active duty as a member of the armed services reserve or National Guard, or, if on active duty, reassigned out of state. Notice of termination must be given within 7 days of receiving notice of the call-up or reassignment, by written notice under SCRA section 305. No state statute was found for medical/disability, senior, or tenant-death termination. RSA 540:11-a |
| New Jersey | Yes. A tenant may end a residential lease early by giving the landlord (a) written notice that the tenant or the tenant's child faces an imminent threat of serious physical harm from a named person if the tenant stays, and (b) one of: a certified copy of a permanent restraining order (NJ or another jurisdiction) protecting the tenant from that person; a law enforcement record documenting the domestic violence or certifying the tenant or child is a victim; medical documentation from a health care provider; a certification from a certified Domestic Violence Specialist or the director of a designated DV agency; or documentation from a licensed social worker. The termination takes effect 30 days after the landlord receives the notice (or earlier by agreement), with rent paid pro rata to that date. Co-tenants' lease also ends, though the landlord may offer them a new lease. The landlord must have the deposit plus interest, less lawful charges and rent owed, available for return within 15 business days. The landlord may not disclose the tenant's information except as the law allows. N.J.S.A. 46:8-9.4 to 46:8-9.12 (esp. 46:8-9.6, 46:8-9.7); 46:8-21.1 | Death: a residential lease of one year or more may be ended after the death of the tenant or the tenant's spouse by written notice from the tenant, the estate's executor or administrator, or the surviving spouse (if the lease was signed jointly). Disability/senior: a lease of one year or more may be ended if (a) the tenant or spouse has a disabling illness or accident, with a treating physician's certification that they cannot work, proof of lost income, and proof that other benefits cannot cover the rent; (b) the tenant or spouse (one aged 62+) is accepted into assisted living, a nursing home, or a continuing care retirement community, with a physician's certification and proof of acceptance; (c) the tenant or spouse (one aged 62+) is accepted into low- or moderate-income housing; or (d) the unit is not accessible for a household member with a lasting disability and the landlord was asked to make it accessible at the landlord's cost but did not. In all these cases the termination takes effect on the 40th day after the landlord receives written notice, rent is due until then, and the unit must be vacated at least 5 working days before that 40th day. The death provision does not apply if the lease explicitly provides otherwise. N.J.S.A. 46:8-9.1; 46:8-9.2 |
| New Mexico | No statute. New Mexico has no right for domestic violence or sexual assault survivors to end a lease early. 2025 SB 400, which would have created one, died. The UORRA does give a defense: in an eviction based on a 3-day substantial-violation notice, being a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault is a defense. If the resident has filed for or obtained a temporary DV restraining order arising from the incident (or a prior one), the writ of restitution may not issue. Otherwise the court may evict only the accused resident and let the others stay. NMSA 1978, § 47-8-33(J); 2025 SB 400 (died) | Not verified yet |
| New York | A tenant may end the lease if the tenant or a household member is a domestic violence victim (as defined in Social Services Law § 459-a) and reasonably fears staying. The tenant gives written notice to the landlord or agent, and to any co-tenants other than the abuser. The notice must state that the tenant or household member experienced domestic violence and cannot safely remain, and give a termination date at least 30 days after delivery. Mailed notice counts as delivered 5 days after mailing. Within 25 days of the notice, the tenant provides documentation: an order of protection, a police record or report, a health care record, or a sworn or notarized verification from a qualified third party (such as police, court staff, attorney, doctor, social worker, therapist, DV agency staff, or clergy). Rent is owed pro rata only up to the termination date. Prepaid rent is refunded within 10 days. The landlord may not withhold the deposit because of the early termination. N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 227-c | Seniors (62+) and people with disabilities: a tenant may end the lease if a physician certifies the tenant can no longer live independently and the tenant is moving in with family, or if the tenant is admitted to an adult care facility, residential health care facility, or subsidized or senior housing. The notice must include the physician's certification or admission documents, plus a notarized family-member statement when moving in with family. Termination takes effect no earlier than 30 days after the next rent due date. Military: a tenant who enters military service after signing the lease may end it by written notice delivered or mailed. For monthly-rent leases, termination is effective 30 days after the next rent due date. Tenant death: the estate may ask the landlord to consent to assignment or sublet. If the landlord terminates or unreasonably refuses, the estate is released from liability as of the end of that month. N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 227-a; N.Y. Military Law § 310; N.Y. Real Prop. Law § 236 |
| North Carolina | A 'protected tenant' (victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking) may end the lease with written notice effective at least 30 days after the landlord receives it. The notice must include one of: a non-ex parte protective order under chapter 50B or 50C, a criminal no-contact order, or an Address Confidentiality Program card. DV and sexual assault victims must also include a safety plan dated during the tenancy, from a qualifying DV or sexual assault program, that recommends relocation. The tenant owes rent prorated to the termination date and no other rent or fees for ending early. Ending the lease 14+ days before move-in means no damages or penalties. Remaining tenants stay bound, and an abuser excluded by court order stays liable. This right cannot be waived. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-45.1 | Military: a servicemember with permanent change of station orders 50+ miles away, or who is prematurely or involuntarily discharged or released from active duty, may end the lease with written notice effective at least 30 days after receipt. Deployment of 90+ days is also covered, effective the sooner of 30 days after the next rent due date or 45 days after notice. The notice must include the orders or a commanding officer's verification. If the member dies on active duty, an immediate family member or estate representative may end the lease. Liquidated damages are allowed only if under 9 months of the tenancy have been completed: up to one month's rent if under 6 months, or half a month's rent if 6-9 months. Foreclosure: a tenant in a property with fewer than 15 units being sold in foreclosure may end the lease effective 10-90 days after the sale date. No state-law right for medical reasons, disability, or seniors was found. On a tenant's death, the landlord may use an affidavit process to remove a sole occupant's belongings (§ 42-36.3). N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-45, 42-45.2, 42-36.3 |
| North Dakota | A tenant who is a domestic violence victim, or who fears imminent domestic violence against the tenant or the tenant's minor children, may end the lease. The tenant gives the landlord advance written notice saying the tenant fears imminent domestic violence from a person named in a court order, no-contact order, protection order, or other court record, that the tenant needs to end the tenancy, and the specific end date. The notice goes by mail, fax, or in person. The tenant owes rent for the full month in which the tenancy ends plus one more month's rent (subject to the landlord's duty to mitigate), paid on or before the end date, and is then released from the rest of the lease. The landlord must keep the documentation confidential. Refusing to rent to someone for using this right is prohibited, with $1,000 statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney's fees. N.D.C.C. § 47-16-17.1 | Tenant's death: on the death of a residential tenant, any surviving tenant or the estate may choose to end the lease on the last day of the month following the month of death. Chapter 47-16 has no state-law right for military members (beyond federal SCRA), medical or disability reasons, or seniors moving to care. A tenant may also end the lease if the landlord fails to make repairs or provide quiet possession within a reasonable time, or if the main part of the premises is destroyed. N.D.C.C. § 47-16-18; § 47-16-17 |
| Ohio | No statute. Ohio has no state law letting domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking survivors end a residential lease early. Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321 (no such section) | Ohio has no state-law early termination right for medical reasons, disability, seniors, or tenant death. For military tenants: in an eviction case against a tenant deployed on active duty (or whose immediate family member is), the court may, and on motion must, stay the case for 90 days or adjust the rental obligation if the deployment materially affects the ability to pay. This applies only to rental agreements made on or after May 18, 2005, and not to landlords with fewer than 4 units. Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.062 |
| Oklahoma | A victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking may end a lease without penalty by giving the landlord written notice and a protective order within 30 days of the incident, unless the landlord waives that time limit. A landlord may not deny, refuse to renew, or end a tenancy because the applicant, tenant, or a household member is a victim or alleged victim, with or without a protective order. A landlord also may not refuse to rent to, or retaliate against, someone because they previously ended a lease as a victim. 41 O.S. § 111(F); 41 O.S. § 113.3 | Title 41 has no state-law early termination right for military service (beyond federal SCRA), medical reasons, disability, seniors, or tenant death. For a deceased sole tenant, § 130.1 covers only handling of property and refund of the deposit to the designated contact. 41 O.S. §§ 101-136; 41 O.S. § 130.1 |
| Oregon | A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, bias crime or stalking may be released (with listed immediate family members) by giving at least 14 days' written notice specifying the release date, accompanied by verification: a protective order, a police report, a conviction, or a statutory-form statement signed by a qualified third party (law enforcement, attorney, licensed health professional, DOJ victim services employee or victim's advocate); the incident must be within the past 90 days (excluding time the perpetrator was incarcerated or lived 100+ miles away) unless a valid protective order is in place. The released tenant is not liable for rent or damages after the release date and owes no termination fee; other tenants remain bound. Landlord must keep the information confidential. ORS 90.453 | Military: a tenant may terminate on written notice with proof of orders when enlisting, ordered to active service outside the area for more than 90 days, terminating active service (also Public Health Service detailed to Army/Navy and NOAA corps) - generally effective the later of 30 days after notice or other listed dates; a state service member called up by the Governor for 90+ days may terminate effective the earlier of 30 days after the next rent due date or the last day of the following month, without fees or loss of deposit. No statewide medical/disability, senior-care or tenant-death termination right found in ORS ch. 90 (ORS 90.425(20) covers only property of a deceased sole tenant). Natural disaster (since June 5, 2026): if a natural disaster destroys the dwelling unit, the tenancy ends immediately; the landlord must return the deposit and prepaid rent (prorated from the date of the disaster), the tenant is not responsible for cleanup unless the tenant caused the disaster, and no rent is owed while the unit is inaccessible (for example, posted unsafe by a government agency). Does not apply to manufactured-dwelling or floating-home space rentals. ORS 90.472; ORS 90.475; 2026 Or. Laws c.108 (HB 4037) § 21 |
| Pennsylvania | Not verified yet | Death of a sole tenant: the executor or administrator may terminate the residential lease on 14 days' written notice, effective the later of the last day of the second calendar month after the month of death or surrender of the unit with all belongings removed; the estate owes rent and debts through termination but no penalty for early termination (applies to leases entered or extended after the 2016 amendment). No state medical/disability or senior-care termination right found in the Act. 68 P.S. 250.514 (Landlord and Tenant Act s. 514, added 2016, P.L.968, No.116) |
| Rhode Island | Effective July 1, 2026: a tenant may end a lease without early-termination penalty or liability for future rent if the tenant or a household member was a victim of abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking within the last 150 days (or a new event in that window, combined with past abuse, causes fear for safety). The tenant must give the landlord written verification of a protective order, of having started a protective-order case, of a police report, or a written statement from a law enforcement official, attorney, health care provider, social worker, mental health counselor, therapist or victim advocate. The tenant must vacate within 30 days of notice (or as agreed) and owes rent only through the later of the termination date or move-out; deposit and prepaid rent are refunded under 34-18-19 within 20 days. Verification must be kept confidential. Landlords may not refuse to rent to someone for using this right, and must change locks on request within 2 business days (34-18-65). Waivers are void. R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-63 to 34-18-65 (2026-S 2291A / H 7199A, Rhode Island Survivor Early Lease Termination Act) | Seniors: a tenant 65 or older (or turning 65 during the lease) may terminate to enter an assisted living/residential care facility, a nursing facility, or federally designated elderly housing, by written notice with documentation of admission or pending admission; termination is effective no earlier than 45 days after the first rent due date following notice. Military: a servicemember may terminate on written notice plus a copy of orders when entering service after signing, or on permanent change of station or deployment of 90+ days; effective 30 days after the next rent due date (monthly leases) or the last day of the following month; no early termination charge and prepaid rent refunded within 30 days. No medical/disability or tenant-death termination right found. R.I. Gen. Laws 34-18-15(e), (f) |
| South Carolina | Since May 18, 2026, a 'protected tenant' (victim of domestic abuse/violence where victim and perpetrator are both leaseholders on the same property, documented by a restraining order, order of protection, or conviction) may end future lease obligations by written notice within 60 days of the incident, with the documentation attached. Termination is effective on the date in the notice, at least 30 days after the landlord receives it (earlier if landlord agrees in writing). No early-termination penalties or fees, but the tenant owes rent through the effective date and any damage; the deposit need not be returned until the end of the lease. Co-tenants remain liable; if the perpetrator is the sole remaining tenant, the landlord may terminate on 5 days' written notice. Retaliation is barred. S.C. Code 27-40-350; 27-40-210(19)-(20) (2026 Act No. 184, H.3569) | No state-law early termination right for military (beyond federal SCRA), medical/disability, seniors moving to care, or tenant death found in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. S.C. Code Title 27, Ch. 40 |
| South Dakota | If the tenant or a household member is the victim of alleged domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior or stalking, the tenant may terminate and vacate on or before a specified date without early-termination penalty by written notice stating the termination is due to fear of imminent danger or injury, attaching one of: a police report signed in the prior 30 days, a protection order issued in the prior 30 days, or documentation from a licensed health care provider who examined the tenant/household member in the prior 30 days. The tenant owes no early termination fee and no rent for the month following the month in which the tenant vacates. Landlord may not disclose the tenant's forwarding/contact information without consent unless required by law. SDCL 43-32-19(3); 43-32-19.1; 43-32-19.2 | Tenant may end a lease early if the landlord fails, within a reasonable time after written request, to put the tenant in quiet possession or make required repairs, or if the greater part of the premises is destroyed other than by tenant negligence. A lease terminable at either party's pleasure ends on notice of a party's death or incapacity; other leases are not ended by death. No state military, medical or senior-care termination right found in ch. 43-32. SDCL 43-32-19(1)-(2); 43-32-23 |
| Tennessee | Statewide, for leases entered or renewed on or after July 1, 2021: a tenant who is, or whose household member is, a domestic abuse, sexual assault or stalking victim may end the lease without liability for future rent or early termination fees by giving the landlord written notice requesting release, a mutually agreed release date within 30 days of the notice, and either a valid order of protection (issued/extended after a hearing finding victim status) or documentation of a criminal charge based on a police report; documentation must be dated within 60 days before the notice. The tenant must vacate within 30 days (or as agreed) and owes rent for the full month in which the tenancy ends plus prior obligations. The landlord may not reveal the tenant's identifying/location information without written consent. Separately, where domestic abuse is the basis for termination, only the perpetrator may be evicted once the victim has a qualifying order of protection. T.C.A. 66-7-112; 66-7-109(e) | Disability: a person who is permanently and totally disabled (as defined in 71-4-1102) may terminate the lease of a primary residence without penalty or further rent after moving out if accepted as a resident of a public housing facility, by presenting written evidence of acceptance; the landlord must acknowledge in writing. Does not apply if the landlord made significant accessibility modifications to the unit. T.C.A. 66-7-110 |
| Texas | Yes. A tenant may end the lease and avoid future rent if the tenant or an occupant is a victim of family violence (protective order or documentation from a licensed health care or mental health provider or a family violence advocate), or if the tenant or the tenant's resident child is a victim of certain sexual offenses or stalking within the prior 6 months (documentation or protective order). Tenant gives written notice of termination; release takes effect after 30 days have passed and the tenant moves out (no 30-day notice needed where a cotenant/occupant committed the family violence and an order or documentation is provided). Past-due rent remains owed unless the lease lacks the statutory notice sentence about these rights. Landlord violation: actual damages + one month's rent + $500 + attorney's fees. Not waivable. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.016; 92.0161 | Military: a servicemember or dependent may terminate on entering military service, or on permanent change of station or deployment of 90+ days; written notice plus orders; for monthly-rent leases termination is effective 30 days after the next rent due date; prepaid rent refunded within 30 days; penalty one month's rent + $500 + damages and fees. Tenant death: representative of a deceased sole occupant may end the lease by written notice once property is removed; effective the later of 30 days after notice or when conditions are met. No statute for medical/disability or senior moves. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.017; 92.0162 |
| Utah | Yes, with a fee. A renter who is a domestic violence victim may end all future lease obligations by giving the owner a court protective order (non-ex parte) or a police report showing the renter is a victim and not the predominant aggressor, plus written notice with the move-out date, and paying a termination fee equal to one month's rent (due when notice is given or on move-out, whichever is later). The renter must move out within 15 days after notice and pay rent for that period, and must be in compliance with the lease (limited exception for violations within 30 days caused by the domestic violence). Not available after an eviction notice is served. Prior financial obligations remain. Victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual offenses, burglary or dating violence may also require new locks at their own cost, and the owner may not give a key to the perpetrator. Utah Code 57-22-5.1 | Not verified yet |
| Vermont | Yes. A protected tenant may terminate without penalty if they reasonably believe they must leave because of fear of imminent harm to a protected tenant from abuse, sexual assault or stalking, or because a protected tenant was sexually assaulted on the premises in the prior 6 months. At least 30 days before the termination date the tenant must give the landlord written notice plus documentation from a court, law enforcement or government agency, an abuse/sexual assault/stalking assistance program, a professional who provided help, or a self-certification signed under penalty of perjury on a standard form adopted by HUD, the Vermont Department for Children and Families, or a victim-services nonprofit. The notice may be revoked if the landlord has not re-rented. 9 V.S.A. § 4472 | Not verified yet |
| Virginia | Yes. A tenant who is a victim of family abuse, sexual abuse or criminal sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking may terminate if, during the current lease, the victim obtained a qualifying protective order (and gives notice while it is in effect), or a perpetrator was convicted or charged (warrant, summons, information or indictment) for such a crime against the victim. The tenant serves written notice of termination effective 28 days after service, with a copy of the order or charging/conviction document. Rent is owed through the effective date; no liquidated damages. Co-tenants remain liable; if the perpetrator is the remaining sole tenant, the landlord may terminate and pursue the perpetrator for damages. Va. Code § 55.1-1236 | Military: members of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard on full-time duty (or NG civil service technicians) may terminate upon permanent change of station orders, temporary duty orders over 3 months, discharge/release, orders to government quarters, or a stop-movement order of 30+ days preventing occupancy. Written notice effective no sooner than 30 days after the next rent due date, with a copy of orders or a commanding officer's letter before the termination date; no liquidated damages. Tenant death: a lease with a sole tenant still residing is deemed terminated on the date of death; the estate remains liable for actual damages subject to mitigation. Va. Code § 55.1-1235; § 55.1-1256(C) |
| Washington | Yes. A tenant who notifies the landlord in writing that the tenant or a household member was a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment or stalking, and provides a copy of a valid protection order or a written record of a report signed by a qualified third party (statutory form), may terminate and quit without further obligation; the request must be within 90 days of the incident. Rent is owed through the end of the month of the quitting date (unless 20 days' notice was given under RCW 59.18.200(1)). The tenant gets the full deposit back notwithstanding early-termination forfeiture clauses (subject to damage deductions). Co-tenants are not released. If the abuser is the landlord, the tenant may leave first and deliver the documentation within 7 days, and may change locks. RCW 59.18.575 | Military: a tenant in the armed forces (including National Guard and reserves), or the tenant's spouse or dependent, may end a fixed-term tenancy on permanent change of station or deployment orders with 20+ days' written notice and a copy of orders or a commanding officer's letter showing a qualifying move (e.g., PCS 35+ miles away, discharge, orders to government housing, 90+ day orders 35+ miles away); month-to-month tenants may give less than 20 days if orders do not allow it. Tenant death: when a sole occupant dies, the landlord must notify contacts and the tenancy ends 15 days after notice or when paid-through rent runs out, whichever is later (a representative may prepay up to 60 days from death). No statute for medical/disability or senior moves. RCW 59.18.220(2); RCW 59.18.200(1)(b); RCW 59.18.595 |
| West Virginia | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Wisconsin | Yes. A tenant may end the tenancy and move out if the tenant or the tenant's child faces an imminent threat of serious physical harm from another person and the tenant gives notice under s. 704.21 with a certified copy of a qualifying document: a domestic abuse, child abuse or harassment/stalking injunction, a no-contact bail condition, or a criminal complaint for stalking or a domestic abuse offense. Separately, a tenant who is a victim of sexual assault (or whose child is) may end the tenancy with notice under s. 704.21 and a certified copy of a harassment injunction against the person who committed, attempted or threatened the sexual assault, or a criminal complaint alleging the sexual assault; this ground does not require showing an imminent threat of serious physical harm. The tenant owes no rent after the end of the month following the month of notice or move-out, whichever is later (subject to the landlord's duty to mitigate). On request with the same documents, the landlord must change the locks (or allow the tenant to) within 48 hours at the tenant's cost. Wis. Stat. 704.16 | Tenant death: the tenancy ends on the earlier of 60 days after the landlord learns of the death or the end of the lease term (periodic tenancies end 60 days after notice of death); the estate owes no rent after that, subject to mitigation, and the landlord may not seek the rent from family members who are not liable. Other adult tenants remain bound. No state statute found for military (beyond federal SCRA), medical/disability or senior moves. Wis. Stat. 704.165 |
| Wyoming | Yes, as a defense to rent claims (Wyoming Safe Homes Act). A tenant who moves out is not liable for rent for the period after vacating if the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, either (1) the tenant or a household member was under a credible imminent threat of domestic abuse or sexual violence (sexual assault, sexual abuse or stalking) at the premises, shown by medical, court or police evidence, and the tenant gave the landlord 7 days' written notice before vacating stating that reason; or (2) the tenant or a household member was a victim of domestic abuse or sexual violence on premises owned or controlled by the landlord, the tenant gave 7 days' written notice before vacating stating the reason and the date and that medical, court or police evidence was provided to the landlord, and the abuse occurred no more than 60 days before the notice (or as soon as practicable if hospitalization, shelter or counseling prevented earlier notice). Rent owed before the tenant gave notice and vacated is still owed, and eviction for earlier nonpayment is not barred. A landlord may not terminate a tenancy based solely on a tenant's or household member's status as a victim. These rights cannot be waived or modified in a lease or separate agreement. Wyo. Stat. 1-21-1301 to 1-21-1304 | No state statute found for military (beyond federal SCRA), medical, senior, or tenant-death early termination. A court may terminate the rental agreement as relief in a renter's habitability action; the renter then gets the rent balance and deposit back within 30 days and must vacate 10-20 days after termination. Wyo. Stat. 1-21-1206(c), (d) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I break my lease without penalty?
Only in specific situations your state or federal law recognizes — such as qualifying military orders, domestic violence in many states, or a landlord's serious breach. Otherwise you may owe rent until the unit is re-rented, but many states require the landlord to try to re-rent.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.