Survivor Housing FAQ: How Do I Move if I Feel Unsafe?

If a tenant does not feel safe in their apartment because of a reasonable belief that they will be harmed by domestic or sexual violence, then the options to move depend on whether they live in market-rate, public, or subsidized housing.

Option 1:

• WHO: Tenants who reasonably believe they will be hurt by domestic or sexual violence (the law calls this a "credible imminent threat").
• LEGAL BASIS: The Illinois Safe Homes Act allows a tenant to terminate the lease 3 days before or after leaving the apartment.
• HOW: Send a letter to the landlord. The letter should explain that there is a "credible imminent threat" of domestic or sexual violence and state that the tenant is terminating the lease. For more info, click here.

Option 2:

• WHO: Tenants who have experienced sexual violence within the past 60 days.
• LEGAL BASIS: The Illinois Safe Homes Act allows a tenant to terminate within 60 days of sexual violence. They do not need to show a "credible imminent threat."
• HOW: Send a letter to the landlord. The letter should explain that there was sexual violence in the past 60 days and state that the tenant is terminating the lease. The tenant must include a statement from a victim service provider OR court, police, or medical documents. For more information, click here.

Option 3:

• WHO: Tenants in subsidized housing.
• LEGAL BASIS: The Violence Against Women Act allows a tenant to emergency transfer the subsidy to another subsidized unit.
• HOW: Tenants should explore the option to emergency transfer the subsidy before terminating the lease and moving out.

A tenant should return the keys as soon as possible and keep a copy of the letter for one's records.

If you need a safe place to go or need support safety planning, call the Hotline at 1-877-TO END DV.