Bill Summary
The "Break Free From Domestic Violence Act" aims to enhance housing protections for survivors of domestic violence. It amends the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 by introducing a provision that allows victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to terminate their housing lease early without incurring any fees. This legislation recognizes the urgent need for safety and stability for survivors, ensuring that they can exit potentially dangerous living situations without facing financial penalties that could further complicate their circumstances.
Possible Impacts
The "Break Free From Domestic Violence Act" could affect people in several significant ways:
1. **Increased Housing Stability for Survivors**: By prohibiting fees for early lease termination, survivors of domestic violence can leave unsafe living situations without the added financial burden of penalties. This provision allows them to prioritize their safety and well-being without the fear of incurring extra costs, enabling a smoother transition to safer housing.
2. **Encouragement to Seek Help**: Knowing that they can exit their lease without financial penalties may encourage more survivors to seek help and report incidents of domestic violence. This could lead to increased awareness and resources being utilized, ultimately helping survivors access support services, shelters, or legal assistance more readily.
3. **Impact on Landlords and Housing Providers**: This legislation may require landlords and housing providers to adjust their policies and practices to comply with the new regulations. They might need to implement training for staff on handling situations involving domestic violence, which could change the dynamics of tenant-landlord relationships and potentially lead to increased administrative processes for landlords as they navigate these new requirements.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5700 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5700
To provide additional housing protections for survivors of domestic
violence, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 6, 2025
Mrs. Sykes introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Financial Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide additional housing protections for survivors of domestic
violence, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Break Free From Domestic Violence
Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON THE IMPOSITION OF FEES FOR EARLY LEASE
TERMINATION.
Section 41411 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C.
12491) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Prohibition on the Imposition of Fees for Early Lease
Termination.--
``(1) Voluntary exit.--An applicant for or tenant of
housing assisted under a covered housing program may
voluntarily exit a lease for housing earlier than the end date
of such lease on the basis that the applicant or tenant has
been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
assault, or stalking.
``(2) Fee prohibition.--Notwithstanding any lease
agreement, an applicant or tenant described in paragraph (1)
may not be charged a fee for exiting a lease for housing
earlier than the end date of such lease on the basis described
in paragraph (1).''.
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