Sexual Assault and Early Lease Termination

Texas law allows a tenant to break their lease if:

1. The tenant is a victim of sexual assault, or the parent or guardian of such a victim,
2. The incident took place in the past six months, and
3. The incident took place on the premises where the victim lives. 

Yes. You must give your landlord 30 days' notice that you want to break your lease. 

No. You can move out of the rental property, but you are responsible for rent during the 30-day notice period. 

Yes. You can use this Early Lease Termination Letter from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TASSA). Attach supported documentation to the letter when you give it to your landlord. Keep a copy of this letter and the documentation for your records. 

The documentation can be:

• A protective order issued by a court;
• Paperwork showing that you've had medical treatment or mental health treatment from a licensed provider;
• Proof you've received services from a rape crisis center. Contact your local rape crisis center and ask for early lease termination documentation.

No. You do not need to file a police report. You only need to provide your landlord with notice and documentation. 

No. You do not have to share details about the incident with your landlord. You only need to provide your landlord with notice and documentation. 

Yes. You are responsible for paying rent until your lease ends 30 days after you've given notice. Your lease officially ends after the notice period. 

No. The law allows you to break your lease without penalty. This means your landlord cannot charge you for breaking your lease early. 

Your landlord must let you break your lease if you provide notice and documentation. Any landlord who violates the law can be held liable. You should contact a private attorney or Legal Aid for Survivors of Sexual Assault for assistance. 

Yes. If you filed a police report, you can file for rent and relocation costs through the Crime Victims' Compensation Program. 

See Texas Property Code 92.0161.