H.R. 5700

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To provide additional housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · October 6, 2025 · Sponsor: Mrs. Sykes · Committee: Committee on Financial Services

Table of contents

• H.R. 5700
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Prohibition on the imposition of fees for early lease termination

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Break Free From Domestic Violence Act.

SEC. 2. Prohibition on the imposition of fees for early lease termination

• Section 41411 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 () is amended by adding at the end the following: 34 U.S.C. 12491
  • (h) Prohibition on the imposition of fees for early lease termination
    • (1) Voluntary exit
      • An applicant for or tenant of housing assisted under a covered housing program may voluntarily exit a lease for housing earlier than the end date of such lease on the basis that the applicant or tenant has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
    • (2) Fee prohibition
      • Notwithstanding any lease agreement, an applicant or tenant described in paragraph (1) may not be charged a fee for exiting a lease for housing earlier than the end date of such lease on the basis described in paragraph (1).