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Legal Information: Federal

VAWA Housing Protections

Updated: 
January 1, 2024

How can I get an emergency transfer to another housing unit?

If you live in housing covered by VAWA, you can request an emergency transfer. Public housing authorities (PHAs) and other landlords covered by VAWA should have an emergency transfer plan in place to help survivors relocate for safety. Transfer plans must allow tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to transfer to another available and safe unit in the covered housing program if:

  1. the tenant specifically requests the transfer; and
  2. the tenant either:
    • reasonably believes that s/he is threatened with immediate harm from further violence if s/he remains in the home; or
    • was the victim of a sexual assault on the premises within the prior 90 days.1

These transfer plans must ensure confidentiality so that the PHA or owner does not tell the location of the new home to the abuser.2

1 24 CFR § 5.2005(e)(2); see also U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3/15/21 memo, page 6​
2 24 CFR § 5.2005(e)(4); see also U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3/15/21 memo, page 6

Must a landlord keep the documents I provide related to my abuse confidential?

Any information that you give to the landlord to certify your status as a victim must be kept confidential and cannot be shared unless:

  • it is requested or consented to by you, in writing;
  • it is required for use in an eviction proceeding; or
  • it is otherwise required by law. 1

1 34 USC § 12491(c)(4)