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MarriageNew York Domestic Violence Victims May Terminate Residential Leases

July 24, 2007

In order to permit a victim of domestic violence to relocate to a safe location unknown to his/her abuser, a new law has been enacted in New York to permit a person who has obtained an order of protection to also obtain an order permitting him/her to terminate his/her residential apartment lease. This new law would allow the victim to move to a safe location and free him/her of any future financial obligation to the landlord.

In order to terminate the lease, the victim must show that:

  • There remains a substantial risk of harm if the victim remains in the present residence;
  • The risk could be substantially reduced be the relocation;
  • The landlord refused to voluntarily consent to the lease termination; and
  • The victim is acting in good faith.

The Court may condition the termination of the lease on the payment of rent and other obligations up and until the in New York actual termination date.

This is an important measure to protect the most vulnerable victims of domestic abuse. It is not enough to simply give a victim of domestic violence an order of protection if the abuser knows where the victim lives; too often, orders of protection are violated. Victims would constantly feel the need to “look over his/her shoulder”  unless they can get a fresh start away from their abusers. 

Since the lease termination order requires a judicial approval, it is unlikely to be abused. The landlord’s inconvenience and expense of re-letting an apartment, palls in comparison to the need to provide a safe home to a battered person.

The information contained in this website has been provided for general informational purposes only and DOES NOT constitute legal advice; there is no warranty on this information and it does not in any way constitute an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. All individuals are encouraged to seek independent counsel for advice regarding their specific situation and facts. 

THIS SITE SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMPETENT AND INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE.

Further, e-mails or other correspondence with any member of this firm does not create an attorney-client relationship without the explicit written agreement between the parties

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