What documents or proof do I need to give to my landlord to get out of my lease if I am a sexual assault victim?
If you are a tenant who is requesting an early lease termination, you must provide “reasonable documentation” of being a sexual assault victim.1 This means that you must provide all of the following:
- a written letter that says:
- you are a victim of sexual assault;
- you are seeking an early lease termination;
- you will not knowingly allow the sexual assault offender to enter the home; and
- you will otherwise meet all of the requirements under the lease agreement;2
- a sexual assault protective order or a certification of sexual assault signed by a qualified third party that proves that the sexual assault took place in Louisiana within the past 60 days;3 and
- if the sexual assault happened somewhere other than the rented home, a statement explaining why staying in the home would pose a threat to your safety.1
1 La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3261.2(B)(2)
2 La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3261.2(B)
3 La. Rev. Stat. § 9:3261.2(A)(2), (B)(2)