Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
What Landlords Should Know
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the serious and widespread impacts of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As housing providers, landlords and property managers occupy a unique position: your properties are not just dwellings, they are places of safety (or danger) for individuals facing abuse. This month offers an opportunity to reflect on how housing intersects with domestic violence, and to strengthen landlord practices in support of survivors.
In this post, we’ll:
Outline key housing-related challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence
Summarize important protections under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Suggest practical steps landlords can take to be more responsive and sensitive
Offer guidance on how landlords can direct tenants to appropriate resources
Why Housing Matters in the Context of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is not only a criminal or public safety issue; it is deeply tied to housing instability and homelessness. Some of the housing-related challenges survivors often face include:
Forced relocation or “flight” to escape violence: Survivors may need to leave a home quickly, sometimes with little planning or resources, which can lead to homelessness.
Eviction threats or lease violations: Abusers may damage property, allow trespassers, or cause disturbances (e.g. calls to police) that result in lease violations or eviction notices against the survivor.
Barriers to obtaining new housing: Survivors may have poor credit, prior evictions, or criminal record blemishes that are a direct consequence of abuse (e.g. property damage, unsettled utility bills, or calls to police).
Safety in place: Some survivors prefer to stay in their current home rather than move, yet fear retaliation or ongoing stalking by the abuser.
Confidentiality and privacy: Survivors may fear that information shared with housing providers could be disclosed to the abuser.
Because housing is a core need, loss of housing or inability to relocate safely can trap victims in abusive situations or push them into homelessness or precarious housing arrangements.
Key Protections Under VAWA That Landlords Should Know
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) includes housing provisions that aim to safeguard survivors from losing their housing or being denied assistance because of abuse.
In 2025, HUD updated its VAWA forms (HUD-5380, 5381, 5382, 5383, 5384) to reflect legislative changes and for better data collection.
Thus, as a landlord you should:
Use the current (valid) forms (which expire January 31, 2028) when interacting with applicants or tenants in covered housing.
Update your internal policies, lease addenda, and staff practices to align with the new forms and guidance.
Note: VAWA protections apply only to covered housing programs (e.g., public housing, Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers, certain HUD-assisted multifamily properties) but many of the best practices around sensitivity, referrals, and confidentiality can—and arguably should—be adopted by all landlords even outside HUD programs.
How Landlords Can Be Aware, Sensitive, and Supportive (Without Overstepping)
Landlords or property managers are not social workers or victim advocates, but there are several concrete steps you can take to respond more responsibly when domestic violence issues arise.
1. Training & Awareness for Staff
Provide basic training to leasing agents, property management staff, and maintenance personnel on recognizing signs of abuse (without prying), understanding trauma, and responding with care (e.g. avoid confrontational questioning).
Partner with local domestic violence agencies or victim service providers to bring in experts for periodic training.
2. Establish a Confidential Reporting & Response Protocol
Create a safe way for tenants to communicate concerns (e.g. a dedicated email, confidential phone line, front-office mark “confidential” requests).
Limit staff access to sensitive information; keep documentation in locked files or encrypted systems.
Ensure that eviction, lease enforcement, or lease renewal decisions do not automatically penalize survivors for abuse-related incidents.
3. Adopt (or Adapt) an Emergency Transfer Plan
Even if not required (non-HUD property), consider adopting a voluntary policy allowing tenants experiencing abuse to move to a safer unit if one is available, possibly with prorated rent adjustments or fee waivers.
For HUD-assisted properties, having a formal Emergency Transfer Plan is mandated under VAWA.
State or local programs may also mandate or encourage such policies in affordable housing.
4. Lease Bifurcation Process
If a tenant requests to remove an abuser from a joint lease, evaluate whether lease bifurcation is possible under local law and your lease structure.
Work with legal counsel or housing authority to implement bifurcation without penalizing the survivor.
5. Communication & Notices
Ensure all required VAWA notices are given: include HUD-5380 in lease packages, eviction/termination notices, and denials as applicable.
Use clear, non-threatening language in eviction or lease violation notices that acknowledges possible safety issues and encourages dialogue.
Avoid including sensitive information in standard mailings that an abuser might intercept.
6. Referral & Resource Provision
Keep a packet of local domestic violence hotlines, shelters, crisis services, and legal assistance for your jurisdiction (e.g. DC, Maryland) available for tenants.
Post (discreetly) or distribute a handout or flyer in common areas or welcome packets with national hotlines, e.g. 1-800-799-SAFE (National Domestic Violence Hotline)
When a tenant indicates possible abuse, you can gently offer: “If you are experiencing violence, you might consider contacting [local agency] or the National Domestic Violence Hotline; we can give you the contact if you’d like.”
7. Collaborate with Advocacy Agencies
Establish relationships with local domestic violence service providers, shelters, or advocacy groups.
Offer to host periodic “office hours” with a victim advocate or allow discreet on-site referrals.
Engage in local coalition work and learn about protective orders, confidentiality services, and emergency housing resources in DC/MD.
8. Review Your Screening & Application Policies
Avoid blanket rejections based solely on criminal history, eviction, or poor credit when the underlying cause may be abuse.
If feasible, include an “exception for survivors” clause or give discretion in approval decisions.
At minimum, ensure your policies comply with VAWA for covered housing context.
9. Document Carefully & Impartially
If an incident occurs (e.g. property damage, noise complaints, calls to police), document objectively: date, time, description, and any actions taken.
Do not make assumptions about who is the “victim” or “perpetrator” — remain neutral, factual, and prioritize safety above immediate enforcement.
10. Respect Boundaries and Avoid Coercion
Be careful to avoid pressuring survivors to disclose or prove abuse. Disclosure must always be voluntary.
Do not threaten eviction or other penalties merely for refusing to interact or share details unless lease violations are clear and not directly linked to abuse.
Avoid retaliation or implicitly threatening eviction for tenants exercising their rights.
Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE
Question, Concern, or Comment (Confidentially)
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