Break Free From Domestic Violence Act
This bill, titled the Break Free From Domestic Violence Act, would add a new protection to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) by prohibiting any fees when a survivor exits a lease early on the basis of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Specifically, it allows a person who is an applicant or tenant in a federally assisted housing program to voluntarily terminate a lease before the end date without paying a termination fee, overriding any lease terms that would impose such a fee. The provision is designed to reduce financial barriers that survivors face when seeking safety and relocation. In effect, the bill strengthens existing safety protections by ensuring that survivors can leave unsafe housing situations without additional costs, but it does not change other rent or damages obligations beyond the prohibition on early-termination fees. The measure is limited to housing programs covered by VAWA and would take effect through the existing federal housing framework if enacted.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on fees: The bill adds a new provision prohibiting charging a fee when a tenant or applicant exits a lease early due to being a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- 2Voluntary exit: An eligible applicant or tenant may voluntarily exit a lease earlier than the end date on the basis described above.
- 3Overrides lease terms: The prohibition on early termination fees applies "notwithstanding" any lease agreement, meaning it overrides conflicting lease provisions.
- 4Scope: Applies to housing assisted under a covered housing program as defined by the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.
- 5Status and process: Introduced in the House (October 6, 2025) and referred to the Committee on Financial Services; not yet law.