Can I break my lease because of domestic violence?
Short answer: In many states, yes: survivors of domestic violence (and often sexual assault or stalking) can end a lease early with written notice and documentation. Federal VAWA rules also apply in federally assisted housing.
The rule in every state
Each answer below links to the statute or official page it comes from (46 of 51 jurisdictions verified).
| State | Ending a lease: domestic violence |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Alaska | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Idaho | 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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Mississippi | 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 |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Pennsylvania | Not verified yet |
| 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) |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| West Virginia | 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 |
| 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 |
Related questions
- Can a landlord enter without notice or permission?
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- Can a landlord evict you without going to court, change the locks or shut off utilities?
- Can I withhold rent for repairs?
- How long does an eviction take?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before an eviction?
- Can a landlord raise the rent in the middle of a lease?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give to end a lease or not renew?
- How much can a landlord charge for a late fee?
- Can a landlord retaliate against a tenant for complaining?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- How long does a landlord have to sue for unpaid rent or damages?
- Can a landlord accept rent during an eviction?
- Can you be evicted in the winter?
- Can a landlord give an eviction notice by text or email?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent?
- Does a landlord have to give you a copy of the lease?
- What happens to tenants if the landlord goes into foreclosure?
- How long does a landlord have to keep a tenant's belongings?
- How do you remove a squatter?
- How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee?
- What rental fees are illegal (junk fees)?
- Can I break my lease for military orders, medical reasons or a death?
- Can a landlord refuse Section 8?
- Can an eviction be removed from your record?
- Do tenants get a free lawyer for an eviction?
- What are my rights without a written lease?
- Does a landlord have to fix mold?
- Who pays for pest control and bed bugs in a rental?
- Does a landlord have to provide heat?
- Does a landlord have to provide air conditioning?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
- Can a landlord put cameras in or around a rental?
- Can a landlord limit overnight guests or roommates?
- Can a landlord deny a service or emotional support animal?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason?
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.