Bill · H.R. 5700· House(119-HR-5700)
Break Free From Domestic Violence Act
- Introduced
- 10/6/2025
- Last activity
- 10/6/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Sponsored by
- Emilia Sykes
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Break Free From Domestic Violence Act," aims to provide additional housing protections for survivors. It proposes an amendment to the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Specifically, it focuses on prohibiting certain fees related to lease agreements. The bill targets applicants or tenants of housing assisted under a covered housing program. It allows these individuals to voluntarily exit a lease early due to specific circumstances. These circumstances include being a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would women be better off under this?+6
The bill disproportionately benefits women who are statistically more likely to be victims of domestic violence and sexual assault requiring a change in housing.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill provides significant financial relief to low-income individuals in assisted housing who need to relocate due to domestic violence or stalking.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
The bill prohibits landlords from charging early lease termination fees to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Removal of financial barriers for survivors: An applicant or tenant can voluntarily exit a lease early if they have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (Section 2, paragraph 1).
-
Protection against unexpected costs: No fees can be charged to an applicant or tenant for exiting a lease earlier than the end date due to the reasons mentioned above, regardless of what the lease agreement says (Section 2, paragraph 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Urban Residents+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+4Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- 10/6/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.