Housing rights for domestic-violence survivors
If you are in immediate danger, call 911, or reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (thehotline.org) — free and confidential. Beyond safety, survivors may have special housing protections, including in covered housing under VAWA, such as early lease termination and limits on being evicted because of the abuse. Reach an advocate or legal aid.
Educational — information, not legal advice, and not attorney-reviewed. The exact rule depends on your state, city, and lease; the app shows the verified rule for where you live.
What this means
Your safety comes before any paperwork. If you are in danger right now, call 911, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (thehotline.org) for free, confidential help and a safety plan. A local advocate can also help you keep your location confidential.
When you're safe, know that survivors often have housing protections: many states and the federal VAWA (in covered housing) allow steps like ending a lease early, changing the locks, or being protected from eviction tied to the abuse. These are technical and vary, so an advocate or legal-aid attorney can walk you through your options.
What to do
- If you're in danger now, call 911 or the National DV Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
- Reach a local domestic-violence advocate — they can help with housing and safety planning.
- Keep any documentation somewhere safe and private.
- Contact free legal aid (lawhelp.org) about your housing options when you're safe.
What to do next
You are not alone. These resources are always free and confidential.
Free help — always free
- Call 211 (or 211.org) for local help and referrals.
- Find free legal aid at lawhelp.org.
- Read HUD tenant rights.
- Call 911 in an emergency.
Know exactly where you stand.
Renter Shield shows your state's verified rule, drafts calm letters, tracks deadlines, and keeps your evidence private on your device — free to start.