Q: I ended a lease on grounds of Vawa and now the Landlord is sending me a balance owed on the remaining 3 mths of my rent?
A:
If you living in housing by the Public Housing Authority (PHA) or Section 8 housing, then you should be protected. My understanding of VAWA is that it applies to federally subsidized (PHA or Section 8) housing only. If your lease is to one of these types of housing situations, then you should be protected by VAWA. You need to provide notice to the landlord that you believed you would be in danger of further violence or abuse if you remained. The landlord may require proof which you must provide within 14 business days. Proof can be certification from an attorney, domestic violence service provider, or medical professional, or a police or court record.
Legal Aid is a great resource for these types of situations. Their attorneys are often familiar with these provisions of the law and can handle these matters quickly and effectively.
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