Domestic Violence & Rental Housing
What Landlords Need to Know Before You Make a Move
Domestic violence is one of the most sensitive and serious issues that can arise in a rental property. For landlords, it presents a difficult balance between tenant safety, legal compliance, and property management responsibilities. How you respond matters! Not just legally, but morally and ethically.
Before you make a move.
Before you make a decision.
Pause. Assess. Handle with care.
This guide is designed to help landlords respond appropriately, protect themselves legally, and most importantly, avoid causing further harm.
Understanding the Landlord’s Role (and Limits)
Landlords are not investigators, counselors, or judges. Your role is to:
Maintain a safe and habitable property
Comply with local, state, and federal laws
Avoid actions that could be considered retaliatory or discriminatory
Respond appropriately to lease, safety, and property-related issues
Domestic violence situations often involve fear, secrecy, and power imbalance. A poorly handled response can unintentionally put a tenant at greater risk.
⚠️ Before You Make a Move: What to Consider
1. Do Not Rush to Evict
Eviction should never be your first response.
Many jurisdictions protect survivors from eviction due to domestic violence
Evicting a survivor can expose you to serious legal liability
Removing housing stability often worsens the danger
👉 Always consult legal counsel before taking any enforcement action.
2. Know the Law Where You Operate
Domestic violence protections vary by jurisdiction but often include:
The right to terminate a lease early without penalty
Protection from eviction for police calls or disturbances
Confidential handling of survivor information
Lock-change rights or emergency safety measures
Failing to follow these laws can result in fines, lawsuits, or discrimination claims.
3. Handle All Communication with Care
If a tenant discloses domestic violence:
Listen without judgment
Avoid demanding details or “proof” beyond what the law allows
Keep conversations private and documented
Do not share information with other tenants or staff unnecessarily
❗Never minimize, dismiss, or question the tenant’s experience.
4. Safety Comes First
If there is an immediate threat:
Call emergency services
Do not attempt to physically intervene
Prioritize life and safety over lease enforcement
For non-emergency situations, consider:
Temporary safety accommodations
Lock changes (where permitted)
Coordinating with legal or victim advocacy resources
🚫 What Landlords Should NOT Do
❌ Blame the victim for disturbances or damage
❌ Issue “nuisance” violations for police calls
❌ Share survivor information with neighbors
❌ Force survivors to remain in unsafe situations
❌ Ignore complaints because they feel “personal”
These actions can be unlawful and deeply harmful.
✅ Best Practices for Landlords
Create a written policy for handling domestic violence situations
Train property managers on trauma-informed responses
Keep records factual, neutral, and limited
Consult an attorney before taking action
Build relationships with local support organizations
📞 Resources Landlords (and Tenants) Should Know
If you or your tenant needs help, these confidential resources are available:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
🌐 thehotline.org
24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and local referralsLocal Domestic Violence Shelters & Advocacy Groups
(Search by city or county for emergency housing, legal advocacy, and counseling)Local Legal Aid or Housing Advocacy Organizations
Can advise on tenant rights, lease termination, and protective ordersText DC Landlord Association
202-793-8600 “DV” and someone from our team with get back with you shortly
Final Thoughts: Lead with Caution and Compassion
Domestic violence situations are not just “tenant issues” they are human safety issues. As a landlord, your response can either:
Help stabilize a dangerous situation, or
Escalate harm and legal exposure
Before you make a move.
Before you make a decision.
Handle with care. Seek guidance. Use resources.
Doing the right thing protects your tenants and protects you.
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