I am a Domestic Violence survivor. Can I get evicted?

If your landlord sends you a notice to quit or files an eviction case against you

Call Legal Aid. A lawyer may be able to help.

If your landlord tries to evict you because of your abuser's behavior

If your landlord tries to evict you because of your abuser’s behavior, you may have a defense. You are not responsible for the actions of the person who abused you.  These protections apply to all victims and survivors of domestic violence or abuse.  They apply to all genders, sexes, and gender expressions.

File a Motion to Dismiss and an Answer right away if you are served with:

• A Summary Process Summons and Complaint,
• A Temporary Restraining Order, or,
• Anything from the court asking to remove you from your home.

Motion to Dismiss 

Fill out a Motion to Dismiss.  Call the court clerk’s office and ask how they want you to send it.  They may tell you to email it. Send your landlord or their lawyer a copy.  You can email it to your landlord’s lawyer.

The motion asks the judge to stop the eviction case.  

Your answer

Fill out an answer form.

In your answer, explain: 

1. You did not do what the landlord says you did
2. You are a survivor of domestic violence. And
3. You are not responsible for the actions of the person who abused you.
4. List your other defenses.

Defenses

Discrimination: If the landlord tries to evict you because your abuser was violent, Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination laws may protect you if you are a female survivor of domestic violence.  These laws protect people from sex discrimination.  These laws apply to most types of housing so it probably protects you even if you rent from a private landlord. 

Retaliation: You may have a defense for retaliation if the landlord tries to evict you for:  

• Asking to change the locks,
• Trying to get a restraining order, or
• Reporting domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, or stalking.

If you live in federal housing

If you are a survivor, your landlord cannot evict you because of domestic violence or issues directly related to domestic abuse. See Domestic Violence in Federal Public Housing.

Your housing provider can split your tenancy.  They can remove the abuser, and not evict you.

Or, you can ask for an emergency transfer.  You would move to an available unit.  You can also ask for a transfer if you live in state public housing.  See Types of Transfers.

Find out if your landlord has a federally backed mortgage loan from Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae or look for your home on this spreadsheet. 

If you live in federal housing, a survivor can still be evicted for:

• Serious or repeated lease violations unrelated to the domestic abuse, or,
• If the Housing Authority can prove they are in actual or imminent danger that cannot be overcome. 

See Information for victims of abuse in federal public housing.

See Domestic Violence.

If you get an eviction notice call Legal Aid. Contact The Civil Legal Aid for Victims of Crime Initiative (CLAVC).  A CLAVC lawyer may be able to help.

If you are in immediate fear for your physical safety, you can ask a Judge to remove the abuser from your home.  See Asking the court for a restraining order or harassment prevention order during COVID-19.