SCRA Residential Lease Termination Fact Sheet
The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division explains how servicemembers can terminate residential leases early under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act when receiving qualifying military orders.
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A plain-language guide to the contents and context of this specific DOJ filing.
Eligibility for early lease termination
Servicemembers may end residential leases without penalty if they sign a lease and later enter active duty, receive permanent change-of-station orders, deploy for 90+ days, or get retirement/separation orders. The protection applies to housing leased by the servicemember, their spouse, or dependents.
Supported by PDF page 1Termination process requirements
To terminate a lease, servicemembers must provide written notice to the landlord along with a copy of military orders or a commanding officer's letter. The lease ends 30 days after the next rent payment is due. Notices can be delivered in person, by mail, or electronically with proof of delivery.
Supported by PDF pages 1, 2Financial protections
Landlords must refund prepaid rent for periods after termination and cannot charge early termination fees. Security deposits may only be withheld for property damage or unpaid rent. The SCRA applies regardless of whether the lease includes a military clause.
Supported by PDF page 2Scope of covered leases
The protections apply to residential properties (houses, apartments) and commercial spaces (retail, medical, office) occupied by the servicemember and their family. The document notes that different SCRA provisions apply to mortgage protections for owned homes.
Supported by PDF pages 1, 2Additional resources
The document directs servicemembers to Armed Forces Legal Assistance offices for help and provides DOJ complaint reporting options. It clarifies that spouses/dependents on the lease share termination rights but does not address other housing situations.
Supported by PDF page 2Document record
- Document type
- Other DOJ document
- Category
- Rights
- Publication date
- 2026-11-10
- DOJ office
- Civil Rights Division
- Case number
- Not stated by source
- Collected
- 2026-11-13
- Original filename
- scra_residential_lease_termination_fact_sheet.pdf
Source & integrity
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