New legislation that took effect Jan. 1, provides greater housing protections and options for survivors of family violence and sexual assault.

The Texas Council on Family Violence, the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault and the Texas Apartment Association, worked with State Senator Jane Nelson and State Rep. Ryan Guillen on Senate Bill 83 to expand the lease termination option to include victims of family violence not living with their abusers and victims of sexual assault.

“This bill increases victims’ safety by allowing them to find housing away from their abusers without increasing the economic burden they face when they have to terminate a lease for reasons beyond their control,” said Gloria A. Terry, TCFV President.

To terminate a lease without penalty, a victim must provide proof that an ex parte order, final protective order or temporary injunction has been obtained, in addition to 30-days notice of termination to the landlord.

Victims residing with their abuser who were protected under the existing law are not required to provide the 30-day notice.

Victims of sexual assault may also terminate their leases without penalty, provided they give 30-days notice and written documentation that they were assaulted in their homes or on the premises of their residence within the previous six months.

Acceptable forms of written documentation are a protective order, documentation of medical treatment, documentation of mental health treatment or documentation of services received at a rape crisis center.

“This legislation assures that victims assaulted in their homes can move to a home where they feel safer and more secure without facing the financial hardship or negative credit issues associated with breaking a lease,” said TAASA Executive Director Annette Burrhus-Clay.

For more information about these changes to family violence and sexual assault laws, contact TCFV at 512-794-1133 and TAASA at (512 474-7190, or visit www.tcfv.org or www.taasa.org.